Starmer concludes political journey in emotional final PMQs
Labour leader marks end of two-year tenure with tributes, policy defence and support for England football team
Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered his final address at Prime Minister’s Questions on 15 July 2026, bringing an emotional close to his two-year tenure. Speaking from the dispatch box for the last time, Starmer announced he would hand over power to Andy Burnham on Monday, 20 July 2026, describing the moment as the end of his political journey.
Addressing the chamber with his voice breaking at times, Starmer defended his government’s record against criticism regarding his previous assertion that “when he pulled the levers, nothing happened.” He countered by stating, “We did pull the levers,” citing the stabilisation of the economy, the fastest reduction in NHS waiting lists in 17 years, significant investment in child poverty, and the largest investment in defence and security in his tenure.
The session, attended by Starmer’s family and members of the public affected by policy changes, was characterised by tributes rather than political jibes. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch dispensed with her usual combative style to ask if the country deserved a televised debate between Nigel Farage and Count Binface ahead of the Clacton byelection. Starmer replied, “My advice to everyone is: put your vote in the bin.”
Starmer also proposed that the late MP Ann Widdecombe be granted a shield in the House of Commons, similar to those held by Jo Cox and David Amess, following her recent death. He thanked Badenoch for her private kindness during difficult personal times, including when his family home was attacked and when his brother died, while Reform UK’s Richard Tice noted the England football team’s strong win record under his premiership.
In his closing remarks, Starmer offered his “wholehearted support” to Burnham and the England team ahead of their World Cup semi-final against Argentina. Labour MP Carolyn Harris praised Starmer for turning the party around after the 2019 election defeat and fostering a “fairer Britain,” concluding a session that saw Starmer wish health and happiness to those whose lives had been improved by Labour policies.