Keir Starmer delivers emotional final PMQs as he prepares to leave office

Keir Starmer stepped away from the despatch box for the final time on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, marking the end of his tenure as Prime Minister. In a session marked by a departure from the usual sharp confrontations of parliamentary life, the outgoing leader faced the House of Commons one last time before his scheduled departure from Downing Street.

The session opened with a somber tone as Starmer addressed the murder of Ann Widdecombe. Expressing horror at the killing, which is currently under investigation by counter-terrorism police, the Prime Minister described it as chilling that three serving or former lawmakers had been murdered during his 11 years in Parliament. He urged the House to increase efforts to protect democracy.

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Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch adopted a tone described by observers as playful and respectful, a sharp contrast to the confrontational style often seen during Prime Minister’s Questions. During their final exchanges, Badenoch offered a tribute to the Prime Minister’s family, who observed the proceedings from the gallery. Starmer acknowledged the kindness Badenoch had extended to him privately during personal crises, including the death of his brother and an arson attempt on his family home.

"She reached out to me, and when my brother died of cancer she reached out to me privately, not across this despatch box. And I thank her for that and the tribute that she's just made to my wife and children, who mean the world to me."

Despite the amicable atmosphere, political friction persisted. Badenoch criticized the decision of the Prime Minister-in-waiting, Andy Burnham, not to appear in the Commons to address MPs before the summer break. She argued that the government was running scared of scrutiny regarding its plans under new leadership. Starmer deflected this criticism by pointing to his own record, noting he had participated in over 60 sessions of Prime Minister's Questions and provided answers 2,800 times.

The Prime Minister utilized his platform to highlight his legacy, including his support for the Hillsborough Law and his administration’s commitment to Ukraine. Reflecting on his transition, Starmer remarked:

"Every prime minister knows when they pick up the torch that the day will come when they have to pass it on. That day has come for me. This is the end of my political journey."

The session featured lighter moments as well. Starmer joked about an important meeting at 8PM with the television to watch England compete in the World Cup semifinal. He also traded jokes regarding his successor, Andy Burnham, and dismissed a suggestion by the opposition leader that a televised debate between Nigel Farage and Count Binface would be an appropriate use of time, suggesting instead that voters should put their vote in the bin.

Beyond the Commons, Starmer's final days have involved a series of farewells. On Tuesday, 14 July 2026, he attended Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, where French President Emmanuel Macron awarded him the Legion d'honneur. He also hosted a reception at Downing Street for campaigners whose causes he supported, telling them he would stand with them for as long as he has breath in his body. At a final cabinet meeting on Wednesday morning, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy praised the Prime Minister for turning the party around.

As Starmer departed the chamber, he received a standing ovation from members across the House, effectively bringing his time as Prime Minister to a close.