Sir Keir Starmer concluded his final Prime Minister's Questions with an emotional family tribute and a lighthearted 6-7 dance, as MPs from across the House set aside partisan rivalries to honour the outgoing Labour leader. The session, held on July 15, 2026, was marked by tears, laughter, and a rare display of cross-party camaraderie.
Emotional tributes and a viral dance
Labour MPs Johanna Baxter and Carolyn Harris were visibly moved as they paid tribute to Starmer. When the Prime Minister himself thanked his family in his final answer, his voice rushed with emotion, and Labour staff and campaigners in the gallery were seen wiping tears. The atmosphere contrasted sharply with Boris Johnson's final PMQs, where he signed off with a defiant 'Hasta la vista, baby!'.
In a lighter moment, Starmer performed the 6-7 dance in response to a question about his viral moments, prompting laughter across the chamber. Tory MP Jesse Norman was particularly amused. The House also shared jokes about football and Nigel Farage's upcoming 'Binface by-election'.
Cross-party respect and calls for a memorial
Leaders from all parties offered heartfelt words for Ann Widdecombe, who was murdered last week. Starmer, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, and Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey called for a permanent memorial to her in Parliament. Notably, Reform MPs Richard Tice and Danny Kruger did not pay their respects.
Despite the country's ongoing crises, the session's lighter tone was widely welcomed. Starmer acknowledged his appreciation for Badenoch's phone calls after an arson attack on his home and the death of his brother. Even Nigel Farage has privately described Starmer as a 'decent man'.
A legacy of effort and collapse
While Starmer's premiership saw approval ratings fall and a coup within his party, many MPs agreed he always tried to make the right choices for the country. The final PMQs demonstrated that politics can transcend personal attacks, as many MPs genuinely respect each other despite their differences. As one observer noted, his efforts ultimately ended in tears, but today offered a moment of unity.
