A Final Session in the Commons
Prime Minister Keir Starmer marked the end of his two-year tenure on Wednesday, attending his final Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) session in the House of Commons. Addressing lawmakers, Starmer confirmed that he will officially resign on Monday, handing over the leadership of the Labour Party and the country to Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester.
During a session that balanced political critique with personal farewells, Starmer defended his record, stating he leaves the United Kingdom in “better shape” than he found it in 2024. While he faced intense scrutiny over economic performance and internal party pressure, the session concluded with a rare standing ovation from across the aisle—a gesture that prompted a formal reprimand from Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, who reminded members that clapping is prohibited by parliamentary rules.
The Transition to Burnham
The leadership transition is facilitated by the UK’s parliamentary system, which allows the governing party to appoint a new leader without triggering a general election. Andy Burnham, standing as the sole candidate in the leadership contest, is expected to be formally announced as the new Labour leader on Friday. On Monday, Starmer will travel to Buckingham Palace to submit his resignation to King Charles III, who will then invite Burnham to form a new government.
Legacy and Foreign Policy
Starmer’s premiership, which began with a landslide victory in July 2024, faced significant domestic headwinds. Critics, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, highlighted his struggles to deliver promised economic growth and address the cost-of-living crisis. His administration also faced controversy over specific appointments, notably the naming of Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States.
However, Starmer’s international legacy remains a focal point of his departure. Just days before his final PMQs, French President Emmanuel Macron awarded him the Légion d’honneur, citing his contributions to European security and the strengthening of bilateral ties. Starmer was instrumental in repairing post-Brexit relations with the EU and maintaining a robust coalition of support for Ukraine. His efforts to host President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following diplomatic friction with the U.S. administration were widely noted as a defining moment of his foreign policy approach.
As Starmer prepares to return to the backbenches, the focus shifts to Burnham’s ability to stabilize the Labour Party and address the domestic policy challenges that ultimately curtailed his predecessor’s term.