As Sir Keir Starmer gave his final speech as Prime Minister, with colleagues and friends filling Downing Street behind him, two people who were crying stood out: Sabbir and Aneela Karim. They have known Sir Keir and his wife Lady Victoria Starmer for over a decade.
Restaurant connection to Starmer's political journey
Sabbir is chairman of British Bangladeshi Friends of Labour and, with his wife Aneela, runs Salaam Namaste, an Indian restaurant Sir Keir and his family have frequented for “14 years”. Mrs Karim, who was brought to tears again as she spoke to the Press Association, said Sir Keir had begun his “political journey” at the restaurant in Holborn, and as a “pescatarian” orders sea bass.
Emotional farewell and achievements
Mr Karim told the Press Association: “I’m sad, but we are proud of him, he left a good platform for Andy Burnham. He didn’t have enough time to do the work that was much needed. He fixed the NHS, there was the Renters Rights, Employees’ Rights reform, he’s a star.” After leaving Downing Street, Sir Keir visited the King at Buckingham Palace to resign formally. His final exit from No 10 was quieter than when he announced he would be resigning as a Metropolitan Police ban prevented protesters including anti-Brexit campaigner Steve Bray from playing loud music outside Downing Street to drown out his words.
Starmer's final statement and Burnham's succession
Sir Keir said: “I go with good grace, I go with a smile, and I go proud of everything that we have achieved.” It means Andy Burnham is now officially Prime Minister after “kissing hands” with King Charles – the private ceremony by which he accepts the invitation to form a government. Mr Burnham comes into power claiming to have a decade-long plan to change the UK and hinting at cuts to personal taxes. Mr Burnham enters office promising a “10-year plan for the country” as “I think that’s what it needs” to address some of the fundamental issues holding the UK back.
