Overview
- Sir Keir Starmer delivered his final Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday with visible emotion, a standing ovation and a farewell in which he said he was leaving the country 'in better shape.'
- Starmer used his last Commons appearance to list domestic and international achievements and to offer 'wholehearted support' to his likely successor.
- Andy Burnham has secured broad Labour MP support, reported as 349 nominations, leaving the party to complete a formal handover and for Burnham to name key Cabinet posts next week.
- Parliamentary remarks were shadowed by renewed security concern after the killing of former MP Ann Widdecombe, which counterterrorism police are investigating and which prompted Starmer to call for stronger defence of democratic life.
- Starmer leaves after six years as Labour leader and two as prime minister, a transition that will prompt immediate questions about fiscal policy, defence plans, a new chancellor and a Greater Manchester by‑election caused by Burnham’s return to national politics.