There were moments of sadness and tears, of personal achievement and of reflection on what is left to be done. Sir Keir Starmer’s final prime minister’s questions became an hour of condensed emotions that portrayed the acceptable face of politics.
It began with tributes to former Conservative MP Anne Widdecombe, and other members of the House who have been killed in brutal attacks. There were further acknowledgements of the suffering of the families connected to the 1989 Hillsborough tragedy who secured Sir Keir’s support for a new law only last night.
By the nature of such proceedings, it moved swiftly onto lighter topics and Sir Keir, informing MPs of his duties for the rest of the day, said he had “an important appointment with the television at eight o’clock this evening”.
The death of Anne Widdecombe and the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina may have stretched human emotions in different directions, but here they served to unite the parties in the hope of better things.
Conservative MP Graham Stuart reminded Sir Keir that “politics, like football, is a ruthless game and he has now been handed a red card by the 400 dodgy referees behind him.” Mr Stuart asked him what advice he had for the member for Makerfield “to ensure that he, like himself, does not end up with an early bath”.
In their final showdown, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who was criticised for her mauling of Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, drew some laughter after saying she wanted to make sure she “got the tone right today”.
In the spirit of the occasion, and after delivering her own tribute to Anne Widdecombe, she kept the House amused, by saying Sir Keir would no doubt be disappointed that he will not emulating his hero Harold Wilson by winning multiple elections.
“However, we all hope he may be about to emulate him in another way, by being the Prime Minister when England win the World Cup. That is something every one of us in this House should get behind, especially the SNP.”
Ms Badenoch pointed out that “one politician intends to spend the summer avoiding scrutiny, refusing to set out his plans”. As MPs glanced across the government benches where Andy Burnham’s absence was noted, she asked Sir Keir if he agreed that the country deserved a televised debate between Nigel Farage and Count Binface.
Sir Keir replied: “My advice is to put your vote in the bin.”
In an orchestrated routine, he concluded his response to each question by commending individuals in he public gallery who had benefited from his personal intervention. It again helped to unite the party in sympathy and in satisfaction that politics, while it could be brutal, could also be a force for good.
Continuing his exchanges with Ms Badenoch, he said that his 60 or more PMQs had “always been a pleasure.” Ms Badenoch reminded him that when she got the job he had told her she would not last a year. “Life comes at you fast,” she quipped. “Everyone should remember how quickly fortunes can change.”
In a brief business exchange she forced him to defend his record and he did so by running off a series of achievements on child poverty, investment into defence and by raising the country’s international standing.
Ms Badenoch concluded by thanking Sir Keir’s wife Lady Victoria and their children for the love and support given to him during his time in office. He in return paid tribute to Ms Badenoch for comforting him personally and privately, not least when his home was attacked by fire-raisers.
Labour MP Melanie Onn said it had been an “emotional” question time and to cries of “hear, hear”, she added: “I really welcome the tone that has been struck. I think there should be more of it, more often.”
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey referenced the Clacton by-election by saying he “could not back joke figures with ridiculous policies which is why I am supporting Count Binface.” He drew parallels between Sir Keir and Mr Burnham with the animated characters in Toy Story whose main character is replaced by an astronaut. He asked if Mr Burnham’s plan for national debt was “to infinity and beyond”.
Mr Davey said he had always admired the way Sir Keir had led his party and that he was a true patriot who shared his interest in supporting carers.
Reform deputy leader Richard Tice returned to the football theme to tell Sir Keir that England’s win record under his premiership was the highest of any Prime Minister. Sir Keir, echoing Ms Badenoch’s comment, replied that it was only under Labour Prime Minister’s that England won the World Cup.
There was appreciation of Sir Keir’s diplomatic work and Labour’s Lloyd Hatton said his decision not to join the Iran War could be his most important legacy.
The final question was given to a tearful and choked Carolyn Harris, Labour MP for Neath and Swansea East, who thanked “my right honourable and very dear friend for everything he has given to our party and our country.
“Because of his service and leadership children have grown up in a fairer Britain,” she said. “We stand tall on the world stage and every day we see his decency and courage shine through.”
With Rachel Reeves beside him and struggling to hold back tears, Sir Keir concluded the session by saying: “Mr Speaker, this will be my last answer from this despatch box. 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. 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. I am proud of everything that we have achieved.”
He expressed his thanks to all who had worked and supported him and “to my successor I will give my full support”.
He wished all in the House “good health and happiness, adding: “To those in the gallery whose lives have been changed or improved by this Labour government, and all across the country who struggle to be seen or heard, you are the reason I came into politics.
“To my wife and children, I love you. Goodbye.”
He left to a standing ovation and a final handshake with the Speaker Lindsay Hoyle.
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