Starmer tells MPs ‘this is the end of my political journey’ as he gets applause at final PMQs
Keir Starmer’s final statement in the Commons as prime minister, in fullpublished at 13:07 BST
Image source, UK Parliament/PA
We can now bring you Keir Starmer’s final PMQs statement to the House of Commons, in full:
“Every prime minister knows, when they take up the torch,
that the day will come when they will 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.
“Mr Speaker, can I just take time to say to you, Mr Speaker,
and all those who work for the House and in our constituency offices: Thank
you for all your hard work.
“To our civil service, thank you also for all your hard work.
“To my political team, many of them are here today, who came
on this journey with me, thank you so much for everything you have done and
being prepared to walk through fire for me.
“To my colleagues on these benches, I’m proud of all we have
achieved together and proud of each and every one of you.
“To my successor, and each of you, I will give my full
support.
“To all colleagues across the House, can I wish you good
health and happiness.
“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 are the reason I came into politics.
“To my wife and children, I love you, goodbye”
