As the clock strikes noon on Wednesdays, the lively political session known as Prime Minister’s Questions unfolds. It’s a time where insults fly, boos echo, questions dodge, and policy reversals take place.
However, in a rare moment during today’s session, party rivalries took a back seat as Keir Starmer made his final appearance at the despatch box. In an emotional 45-minute exchange, close aides of the Prime Minister and senior ministers were visibly moved as Starmer’s tenure nears its end.
The usual sparring partner of the Prime Minister, Tory chief Kemi Badenoch, set aside hostilities to exchange light-hearted banter with Starmer, poking fun at Nigel Farage. She even commended Starmer’s leadership on matters related to Ukraine.
Drawing attention to his initiative in inviting Ukraine’s leader Zelensky to No10 after a challenging encounter with Donald Trump in 2025, Badenoch also highlighted the unwavering support provided by Starmer’s wife, Victoria, and their children, present in the chamber on Wednesday.
The poignant conclusion came from Labour MP Carolyn Harris, a close confidante of the Starmers, who lauded the Prime Minister’s leadership and integrity.
In his farewell address, Starmer reflected, stating, “Every Prime Minister understands that they must eventually pass on the torch they carry. That moment has arrived for me. This marks the culmination of my political journey.”
This departure stands in stark contrast to Boris Johnson’s farewell at his last PMQs nearly four years ago when he humorously remarked, “Hasta la vista, baby.”
Yet, the most touching moment of Starmer’s final PMQs focused on the unsung heroes he acknowledged off-screen, seated just above him in the public gallery of the House of Commons. These individuals inspired the work of his Labour government, notably in areas such as combating knife crime and bolstering NHS funding.
Among those recognized were Trevor and Luis, who faced job uncertainties due to Trump’s tariffs in 2025, and were ultimately safeguarded through government interventions. Another mention was of Billie-Jean Daniels, a cancer survivor and advocate for improved cancer care.
Pooja Kanda, present in the public gallery, received praise for her relentless campaign for knife crime reform following the tragic loss of her son Ronan in 2022. The enactment of ‘Ronan’s Law’ by Labour honored his memory.
Starmer concluded by acknowledging and thanking the individuals in the gallery and across the nation whose lives were positively impacted by his government, emphasizing their pivotal role in his political journey.