Keir Starmer used his final prime minister's questions to defend his record on the NHS, child poverty and the economy, in a session that leaned toward tributes over political attacks, according to the Guardian.
Key facts
- Keir Starmer made an emotional final appearance at prime minister's questions.
- He defended action on NHS waiting lists, child poverty and the economy.
- Starmer will hand over to Andy Burnham on Monday.
- He offered full support to Burnham and to the England team.
- Many questions in the session related to the World Cup, according to the Guardian.
Keir Starmer has defended his record as prime minister during an often emotional final outing at prime minister’s questions, according to the Guardian. The session largely avoided political jibes in favour of tributes and questions, many of which focused on the World Cup.
Answering the very last question, with his voice breaking at times, Starmer paid tribute to those he had worked with over his two years in office. The Guardian reported that his time as prime minister will end on Monday, when he hands over to Andy Burnham.
During the session, Starmer defended his government’s action on NHS waiting lists, child poverty and the economy. The phrase ‘We did pull the levers’ captured his defence of the steps taken during his tenure.
The prime minister also offered full support to Burnham, his successor, as well as to the England team, according to the Guardian’s account of the exchange.
The tone of the final PMQs marked a departure from the more combative sessions that typically characterise the weekly parliamentary set piece, with the emphasis falling on reflection and tributes rather than partisan point-scoring.
Why it matters
A prime minister's final PMQs marks a significant transition in government, signalling the end of one leadership and the start of another. Starmer's defence of his record and his handover to Andy Burnham set the stage for how his two years in office will be judged.
Frequently asked questions
When does Keir Starmer leave office?
According to the Guardian, Starmer's time as prime minister will end on Monday, when he hands over to Andy Burnham.
Who will succeed Keir Starmer as prime minister?
The Guardian reports that Andy Burnham will take over from Starmer.
What did Starmer defend in his final PMQs?
He defended his government's action on NHS waiting lists, child poverty and the economy, according to the Guardian.