Keir Starmer's final Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday was an unexpectedly affectionate affair, with even Kemi Badenoch setting aside her usual combative style to offer warmth and generosity. The session, lasting 45 minutes, allowed Starmer to bow out with dignity before he steps down on Monday.
Kemi Badenoch's Uncharacteristic Tone
Badenoch opened with a tribute to Ann Widdecombe and delivered jokes about Labour treachery and Count Binface, uniting the House. She concluded by extending heartfelt wishes to Starmer and his family. The display was so out of character that observers wondered if a body double had replaced her.
Starmer's PMQs Legacy
While Starmer never excelled at PMQs, he was never a disaster, and many of his Tory predecessors can only look on with envy at his accomplishment in the Commons. According to John Crace, he was the "ultimate mid-table prime minister," consistently scoring a six-and-a-half out of ten. His performances were solid but unmemorable, unlike Tony Blair, David Cameron, or Boris Johnson, who commanded the dispatch box.
Cabinet Reactions and Gifts
Labour MPs cheered loudly as Starmer entered, but cabinet members showed mixed emotions. Rachel Reeves and Liz Kendall appeared close to tears, aware that their jobs might be at risk. Ed Miliband stood behind the speaker's chair, seemingly lost in thought, while Shabana Mahmood was absent. The cabinet's leaving gift—a carriage clock—was seen as impersonal, with speculation it might end up in an Islington charity shop.
Starmer's Reflections
Starmer admitted he won't miss the preparation and repartee but will miss the theatre of being at the centre. He acknowledged he was never a natural showman, relying on solid shifts rather than flair. His premiership was battered by policy U-turns, international conflicts, and the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US.
Bipartisan Moments
Tory Graham Stuart compared Starmer to Jude Bellingham, with his 400 MPs as dodgy referees. Starmer joked about watching England's World Cup semi-final that evening. Ed Davey made a shameless pitch for Strictly Come Dancing and shared a Toy Story anecdote, to which Starmer replied with a quip about a government discount at Chessington World of Adventures. Even Richard Tice joined the amiable mood.
Emotional Farewell
The last word went to Carolyn Harris, a longtime Starmer supporter, who fought through tears to thank him. Starmer, near tears himself, said it was time to pass the baton and expressed support for Andy Burnham. As he left the chamber, Labour, Lib Dem, and Reform MPs stood to applaud, but the Tories remained seated—the only churlish moment in an otherwise decent display.
