Outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered an emotional farewell in the House of Commons on Tuesday, telling lawmakers that “this is the end of my political journey” during his final Prime Minister’s Questions before leaving office.
Starmer made the remarks while responding to a question from Labour MP Carolyn Harris, whom he described as one of his closest friends and strongest supporters.
Thanking Harris for her unwavering support, Starmer reflected on his years in politics and his time leading the country.
“Every prime minister knows when they take up the torch, that the day will come when they have to pass it on,” he said. “That day has come for me. This is the end of my political journey.”
He said he had led Labour from its historic defeat in 2019 to a historic election victory in 2024, adding that after two years in government, “I leave the country in better shape than I found it.”
“I am proud of everything that we have achieved,” Starmer said.
The outgoing prime minister also thanked his ministers, Labour MPs and civil servants before pledging his support to the incoming administration.
“To my successor and each of you, I will give my full support to all colleagues across the House,” he said.
Concluding his address, Starmer paid tribute to those he said had inspired his political career before delivering a heartfelt message to his family.