Starmer Concludes Premiership as Burnham Prepares for Downing Street
Outgoing Prime Minister chairs final cabinet meeting, leaving behind a complex legacy as succession looms.
Carla Rooney
Keir Starmer today chaired his final cabinet meeting, bringing to a close a 739-day term as Prime Minister, as Andy Burnham stands poised for his expected coronation on Monday afternoon.
Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, directly challenged Starmer during the session, pressing him on the prospect of a debate between Nigel Farage and Count Binface.
Carolyn Harris, a Labour MP, offered a robust endorsement of Starmer's leadership, asserting he successfully revitalized the Labour party.
Harris further claimed children now experience a fairer Britain, stating the nation regained its stature on the global stage under his guidance.
Starmer countered his critics, stating NHS waiting lists decreased at the fastest rate in 17 years.
He pledged his government would address child poverty more effectively than any previous administration, including past Labour governments.
He maintained the nation's international standing had been fully restored, a central tenet of his administration's self-assessment.
Starmer informed MPs of his decision to step down, explaining it would allow the party to 'move on' and empower a new leader to 'take the reins' into the next election.
It would allow the party to move on and empower a new leader to take the reins into the next election.
He confirmed his unwavering support for his designated successor, Andy Burnham.
Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson contend Starmer’s initial 100 days in office offer crucial insights into the factors that ultimately led to his departure.
They urge Andy Burnham to heed these lessons, emphasizing the importance of learning from past strategies.
MacNamara specifically claimed the Labour party spent its first six months reiterating known issues, failing to prioritize the crucial task of winning broader public support.
She further asserted Starmer displayed a clear 'shyness towards the role of prime minister,' never appearing entirely comfortable wielding its inherent power.
Watson argued the constant necessity to redefine goals, with 'resets, pillars, milestones, and markers,' became a blueprint for failure.
This indicated a fundamental absence of an initial, cohesive plan, she concluded.
She also warned the 'honeymoon phase' for new leaders rapidly shortens, demanding swift and decisive action from incoming administrations.
Watson added that 'rainy days are coming' and 'life’s going to get harder from here.'
Rainy days are coming and life’s going to get harder from here.
During his tenure, Starmer's family home faced an attack, and his brother passed away, marking personal challenges amidst his public service.
He attended Bastille Day celebrations in Paris on Tuesday, where Emmanuel Macron bestowed upon him the prestigious Legion d’honneur.
The outgoing prime minister received a bespoke carriage clock from his Cabinet ministers as a leaving gift.
Dent London, the esteemed clockmakers who also furnished the Elizabeth Tower, crafted the timepiece.
Parliamentary safety became a significant topic of discussion, with Ann Widdecombe, Jo Cox, and David Amess referenced in the context of ongoing security concerns.
Counter-terrorism police actively investigate the suspect in Ann Widdecombe's killing for potential left-wing extremism and further violence plans.
Nominations for the Labour leadership formally concluded on Wednesday, with Burnham confirmed as the sole candidate to replace Starmer.
Andy Burnham's inaugural PMQs appearance will occur after the summer recess.
The session promises to be lively and will draw close scrutiny from Labour MPs ahead of the party's annual conference in the autumn.
Kemi Badenoch claimed Labour's problems may be only just beginning, stating that changing Prime Minister is not a 'silver bullet.'
Sir Ed Davey questioned Burnham's plan for Britain’s national debt, asking if it was 'to infinity and beyond.'
The House of Commons will rise for its recess on Thursday, with the government changing Commons business to stop a vote on delaying the recess.
Darren Jones confirmed his departure from his post next week, as jockeying for positions in Mr Burnham's team has reached a fever pitch.