Watch: Tears, tributes, standing ovation for Keir Starmer in last farewell speech

An emotional Keir Starmer bid farewell to politics on Wednesday, ending his final Prime Minister's Questions with the words, "This is the end of my political journey." For nearly an hour, the House of Commons put politics aside as allies and rivals paid tribute to the outgoing British Prime Minister.

Starmer received a standing ovation from Labour MPs and many across the opposition benches as he left the chamber. Watching from the public gallery were his wife and children, while several of his closest colleagues, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, appeared visibly emotional during the farewell session.

Starmer is due to step down on Monday, when Andy Burnham takes over as prime minister following his expected confirmation as Labour leader.

'END OF MY POLITICAL JOURNEY'

Delivering his final remarks from the despatch box, Starmer reflected on his two years in Downing Street and thanked those who had supported him throughout his political career.

"This will be my last answer from this dispatch box," he said.

"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. This is the end of my political journey."

His voice broke at times as he thanked his staff, colleagues and family.

"To all 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're the reason I came into politics."

Turning to his family, he ended with a simple message: "To my wife and children, I love you. Goodbye."

The chamber responded with prolonged applause before Speaker Lindsay Hoyle reminded MPs that clapping is traditionally discouraged inside the House of Commons.

TRIBUTES ACROSS PARTY LINES

The usually combative weekly session took on a markedly different tone, with political attacks largely replaced by tributes and light-hearted exchanges.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch praised Starmer's support for Ukraine and his relationship with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. She also thanked his family for standing beside him during his time in office.

Starmer responded by thanking Badenoch for the kindness she had shown privately following the death of his brother and after an arson attack on his family home.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey described Starmer as a "true patriot" who had worked across party lines during his premiership.

The final question came from Labour MP Carolyn Harris, who struggled to hold back tears as she praised Starmer's leadership.

"Today, because of his service and his leadership, children are growing up in a fairer Britain," she said.

"We stand tall on the world stage, and every day we've seen his decency and his courage shine through."

She ended by wishing Starmer and his family "the very, very best for their next chapter."

Chancellor Rachel Reeves, seated beside Starmer on the front bench, also appeared visibly emotional.

STARMER DEFENDS HIS RECORD

While the session was largely celebratory, Starmer also used the occasion to defend his government's record after being challenged over whether Labour had delivered meaningful change.

"We did pull the levers," he said.

"We pulled the levers to stabilise the economy, and we've stabilised the economy. We pulled the levers to strengthen our public services, and NHS waiting lists are coming down at the fastest rate for 17 years."

He added that his government had increased investment in defence and made significant progress in tackling child poverty.

"We put the biggest investment into defence and security, and our international standing has been restored."

Asked whether he had any advice for incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Starmer declined to offer public guidance.

"For my successor and for the England team, I won't give advice. I will simply give my wholehearted support."

WORLD CUP JOKES LIGHTEN MOOD

With England preparing to face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final later in the day, football featured heavily throughout the session.

Liberal Democrat MP Will Forster jokingly asked whether Starmer's final act in office would be to declare a bank holiday if England lifted the World Cup.

The Prime Minister laughed off the suggestion.

"I don't want to tempt fate," he replied, suggesting the question be asked again after the final.

There were also jokes about the Clacton by-election, where the major parties have chosen not to field candidates against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

When asked about the contest, Starmer quipped: "My advice to everyone is: put your vote in the bin."

Even Reform MPs largely avoided personal attacks during the session, with one joking that England's football team had enjoyed its best winning record under Starmer's premiership.

FINAL GOODBYE

Earlier on Wednesday, Starmer chaired his final Cabinet meeting, where ministers presented him with a vintage silver carriage clock as a farewell gift.

The clock, made in the 1920s by the company that built Big Ben, carried an engraved message from Cabinet colleagues.

"Change promised, change fought for, change delivered. Thank you Keir – The Cabinet."

As Starmer walked out of the Commons for the final time as prime minister, applause echoed across the chamber.

- Ends

With inputs from agencies