Sir Keir Starmer received a standing ovation from MPs during his final appearance at Prime Minister’s Questions as he prepared to leave Downing Street, marking the end of his tenure as Prime Minister.
The emotional Commons session saw members from across the House rise to applaud the outgoing Labour leader after he delivered a farewell speech reflecting on his time in office. While many MPs stood to acknowledge his service, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and several Tory MPs remained seated.
Addressing the chamber, Starmer acknowledged that every prime minister eventually reaches the moment when leadership must be handed over.
“Every prime minister knows that one day the responsibility must be passed to someone else,” he said. “That day has now come for me. This marks the end of my political journey.”
Credit: PA
🚨 BREAKING: Keir Starmer receives a standing ovation from Labour and Lib Dem MPs as he concludes his ever final answer at PMQs
— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) July 15, 2026
“To all across the country who struggle to be seen or heard, you’re the reason I came into politics. To my wife and children, I love you. Goodbye” pic.twitter.com/fAQnm9HyZb
Reflecting on Labour’s recent history, Starmer highlighted the party’s recovery from its heavy defeat in the 2019 general election to its victory in 2024. He also defended his government’s record over the past two years, arguing that Britain is in a stronger position than when he entered Downing Street.
“I am proud of everything we have achieved,” he told MPs.
The farewell prompted emotional scenes on the government benches. Chancellor Rachel Reeves was visibly in tears during the closing moments of the session, while Technology Secretary Liz Kendall was also seen wiping away tears.
It marked the second occasion Reeves has become emotional in the House of Commons. She previously broke down during parliamentary proceedings last year, later describing it as one of the most difficult days of her time in government.
Starmer announced his resignation as Labour leader last month after facing mounting pressure from within his own party following disappointing polling figures and growing dissatisfaction among Labour MPs.
Despite the circumstances surrounding his departure, the outgoing prime minister struck a positive tone, expressing pride in his government’s achievements and offering his full support to his successor.
Labour leader-designate Andy Burnham is expected to formally assume the party leadership before becoming Prime Minister on Monday. His path to the role became clear after securing the backing of the parliamentary Labour Party without facing a challenger during the leadership nomination process.
When asked what advice he would give Burnham, Starmer declined to criticise the incoming leader despite the political events that led to his resignation.
Instead, he said he would offer his complete support, adding that he wanted the Labour government to continue succeeding under new leadership.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch set aside the usual confrontational exchanges that characterize Prime Minister’s Questions to pay tribute to Starmer and his family.
She acknowledged the sacrifices made by political families and thanked Lady Starmer and the couple’s children for supporting him throughout his time in office.
Starmer’s wife, Lady Victoria Starmer, and their children watched the proceedings from the Commons public gallery as MPs brought the session to a close.
Speaker of the House praised the outgoing prime minister for his years of public service, his leadership on the international stage, and his continued support for Ukraine. He also wished Starmer and his family well as they prepared to leave office.
Before entering the Commons for his final Prime Minister’s Questions, Starmer reportedly chaired his last Cabinet meeting, where ministers presented him with farewell gifts, including a traditional carriage clock and two bottles of wine.
He is expected to deliver a final address outside 10 Downing Street before travelling to Buckingham Palace to formally submit his resignation to the King, bringing his premiership to an official close.
