Somber mood lifts as Keir Starmer bids farewell to Downing Street

The raw emotion of Keir Starmer departure had already come earlier, when he announced his resignation a few weeks ago.

By the time he stepped out of the famous black door of 10 Downing Street for the last time, the mood was different – less somber, more appreciative.

Hundreds of Downing Street staff and Cabinet colleagues had lined both sides of the entrance. As Keir Starmer emerged from inside the building, the applause began almost immediately and quickly grew into one of the loudest sendoffs heard here in recent years.

There was a warmth to the reception that reflected the relationships built during his years in office. Staff who had worked behind the scenes, often far from the political spotlight, stood alongside ministers as they clapped and cheered the departing prime minister.

Following his address, Starmer paused briefly to acknowledge and hug people in the crowd, before making his way down the street.

A handful of Number 10 staff could be seen wiping away tears as Starmer walked down Downing Street for the final time. Others embraced colleagues or watched in silence.