British Prime Minister Keir Starmer bid farewell to the House of Commons on Wednesday during his final Prime Minister's Questions session, announcing the end of his political career and affirming that he is leaving office "proud" of what his government achieved over the past two years.
In his closing remarks inside the chamber, Starmer said: "This will be my last answer from this despatch box. Every prime minister knows, when they take office, that the day will come when they hand over the baton — and that day has come for me."
He added: "This is the end of my political journey. Over six years we went from a historic defeat in the 2019 election to a historic victory in 2024, and after two years in government, I leave the country in a better place."
Starmer took care to thank the Speaker of the House of Commons, parliamentary staff, the civil service, his political team, and his Labour Party colleagues, and pledged to give his successor "full support" in leading the government.
He closed with a personal message, saying: "To my wife and children — I love you. Goodbye."
Starmer announced his resignation on 22 June after losing the support of the party's MPs. His move came after Andy Burnham won a by-election that allowed him to return to Parliament and launch a widely anticipated leadership contest.
Former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham secured the succession to Keir Starmer as Labour Party leader and Prime Minister of Britain after winning the support of a sufficient number of the party's MPs, according to an internal tally.