Keir Starmer declared “the end of my political journey” as he spoke at the dispatch box during an emotional final Prime Minister’s Questions, PMQs.
The prime minister began by paying tribute to Ann Widdecombe, saying he was “truly horrified” by her death, while Kemi Badenoch described the former Conservative MP as a “woman of high principle”.
The Tory leader promised to give Starmer a gentler time than he had given Boris Johnson during his last PMQs – there was “a conciliatory and human tone” between the pair, BBC reports.
Starmer thanked Badenoch for her support when there was an arson attack at his family home and his brother’s death.
In turn, Badenoch praised Starmer for inviting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Down Street after his angry exchange with Donald Trump.
Away from the usual business of PMQs there was extra time for football jokes, though Starmer dodged a question on whether he will declare a bank holiday if England win the World Cup.
There were also plenty of light-hearted moments, including when Starmer advised anyone voting in the Clacton by-election to “put your vote in the bin” a nod to candidate Count Binface.
As Chancellor Rachel Reeves and members of his political team wiped away tears, Starmer signed off: “To my wife and children, I love you. Goodbye.”
Keir Starmer has overseen a number of changes since he took office in July 2024 – here’s a closer a look at his record as he prepares to depart office:
Also Read: Starmer meets Burnham to ensure orderly transition
Economic growth picked up – The UK economy registered the fastest growth among the G7 nations in the first quarter of 2026, expanding by 0.6%. However, many analysts do not expect this to last due to the war in Iran.
Immigration fell – The total number of Channel crossings last year was the second highest on record after 2022’s peak under the previous Conservative government, though overall immigration to the UK and net migration have both fallen significantly.
NHS waiting lists down – The overall number of waits for treatment in England in April was 7.22 million, down from 7.62 million in June 2024, a decrease of 400,000.
Energy bills up – The latest domestic energy price cap set by Ofgem, the energy regulator, for the summer of 2026 is an annual rate of £1,862 for a typical household – in part reflecting the impact of global events like the Iran war.
Benefit spending increased – The latest forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility show the total UK welfare bill – including the state pension – rising from 10.7% of UK GDP in 2024-25 to 11.1% by 2029-30. Starmer attempted to curb the rising welfare bill but was forced by his own backbenchers to retreat.
As Keir Starmer faced his final Prime Minister’s Questions, there was emotion in the chamber and plenty of laughter too.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves looked visibly moved as Starmer delivered his final comments, before making his way out of the chamber to claps and a standing ovation from his colleagues in the House of Commons.
BBC
