Sir Keir Starmer told MPs it was the 'end of my political journey' as he fought back tears during his final Prime Minister's Questions – a session marked by laughter, standing ovations, and a landmark bill on state accountability that he described as putting the UK 'on the precipice of change'.
The hour-long session began on a sombre note, with Starmer paying tribute to former MP Ann Widdecombe, who was killed last week. 'I believe we must do more to defend our democracy,' he said, noting that three sitting or former MPs had been murdered during his 11 years in Parliament. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch praised Widdecombe's 'wicked sense of humour' and 'deep humanity', thanking Starmer for his cross-party response. The prime minister revealed he had phoned leaders of all parties, including Reform, immediately after the killing.
“Starmer bids emotional farewell at final PMQs, secures Hillsborough Law passage, and calls for more MP security after Widdecombe murder.”
Normal hostilities were set aside for much of the session. Badenoch refrained from attacking Starmer's record, instead asking about a hypothetical televised debate between Nigel Farage and Count Binface ahead of the Clacton by-election. Starmer replied: 'My advice to everyone is: put your vote in the bin.' The House roared with laughter when Starmer did the '6-7 dance' in response to a question about his viral moments.
But the most significant moment came hours earlier, when MPs approved the Hillsborough Law – legislation imposing a duty of candour on public authorities. Starmer said the bill, named after the 1989 disaster that killed 97 Liverpool fans, was 'for every single working person in this country' because 'time and again the cry for justice was ignored by the British state because of who the victims are – because they're working class, because they're black, because they're women and girls.' Andy Burnham, who will replace Starmer as prime minister on Monday, called the law 'some legacy' and 'justice for ordinary people going forward'.
Back in the Commons, Starmer's voice broke as he delivered his final answer. 'This is the end of my political journey,' he said. 'To my wife and children, I love you. Goodbye.' Labour MPs gave him a standing ovation; his family watched from the gallery. Chancellor Rachel Reeves appeared close to tears. Labour MP Carolyn Harris, overcome with emotion, told MPs that 'every day we see his decency and his courage shine through'.
Asked for advice for Burnham and the England team before their World Cup semi-final against Argentina, Starmer replied: 'I won't give advice. I will simply give my wholehearted support.'
With Burnham to be confirmed as Labour leader at a special conference on Friday, Starmer leaves office after just two years – forced out by his own MPs, but leaving behind a bill that campaigners hope will prevent future cover-ups.