Is expected to be replaced as Prime Minister on Monday by his potential successor Andy Burnham – Sir Keir StarmerImage: keystone
July 15, 2026, 3:02 p.mJuly 15, 2026, 3:02 p.m
Warm farewell words, jokes about the right-wing populists and lots of football: outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had a very harmonious – and therefore extraordinary – last question time in Parliament.
In the House of Commons, where party representatives usually criticize each other harshly, the 63-year-old said: “This is the end of my political path.” He left the country in better condition.
At the end of the 50-minute question and answer session, the Prime Minister ended his brief farewell speech with a shaky voice and the sentence: “To my wife and my children: I love you. Goodbye.”
Starmer will most likely be replaced as leader of the ruling Labor Party by Andy Burnham this Friday. The handover of the office of head of government will follow next Monday. He would support his successor “with full conviction,” said Starmer, who appeared relaxed and in a good mood.
Andi Burnham at his swearing in as a Member of Parliament.Image: keystone
Everyone wants the world title
Starmer was recognized for his services in Parliament. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch also found kind words for the Prime Minister – albeit with one or two tips. «I still remember when I started this job. The Prime Minister was very helpful at the time and said I wouldn’t make it through the year. “How quickly the tide can turn…” said Badenoch. Starmer smiled.
Several MPs spoke about England’s semi-final game against Argentina at the World Cup in the USA that evening. Everyone agreed: The Three Lions should win the title on Sunday. Starmer, with a wink, recalled the English national team’s exceptionally good winning statistics during his time in office.
The by-election in the Clacton district was also repeatedly discussed, in which Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage was running after a political maneuver in order to be re-elected to Parliament. Because all major parties refuse to field candidates, his biggest competitor could be a comedian: Count Binface, in German “Count Mülltonnenface” alias Jon Harvey. One MP said one of the candidates only had ideas for the bin – and the other was Count Binface. (nil/sda/dpa)