Starmer Bows Out with Emotional Final PMQs

Keir Starmer faced his last Prime Minister's Questions on 15 July 2026, closing with the words: 'Every prime minister knows when they take up the torch that the day will come when they have to pass it on. That day has come for me. In six years, we went from historic defeat in 2019 to historic victory in 2024, and in two years in government I leave the country in better shape than I found it.' He thanked colleagues, civil servants and his family, telling his wife Victoria and their two children watching from the gallery 'I love you', before a final 'Goodbye.' MPs rose for a standing ovation, prompting an admonishment from Speaker Lindsay Hoyle. Starmer pledged his 'wholehearted support' to successor Andy Burnham, who was on course to be confirmed as Labour leader the following day.