Starmer says it’s the ‘end of my political journey’ at his final Prime Minister’s Questions

Prime Minister’s Question took place eight hours before the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina – and references to the match came thick and fast.

Conservative MP Graham Stuart joked that the prime minister had been given the “red card” by “400 dodgy referees”.

Liberal Democrat MP Will Forster asked Sir Keir if his last act would be to declare a bank holiday if England wins the World Cup.

The prime minister replied that he didn’t want to “tempt fate” and suggested Forster ask him again on Sunday.

There were also several references to the by-election in Clacton, triggered by the resignation of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

The main parties are not taking part in the election, accusing Farage, who is re-fighting the constituency, of pulling a stunt, as he stands again in the Essex constituency.

The boycott means Farage’s opponents are largely either independent or novelty candidates.

Sir Keir suggested people in Clacton should “put your vote in the bin”.

Lib Dem leader Sir Ed said he could not “back joke figures with ridiculous policies” adding: “Which is why I’m supporting Count Binface.”

Reform UK MP Danny Kruger hit back at the jibes, arguing that a “comedian with a dustbin on his head” was a suitable substitute for the major parties.

Cabinet members had a whip round, organised by deputy prime minister David Lammy, to buy Sir Keir a vintage silver carriage clock as a leaving gift.

The clock, made in the 1920s by the firm responsible for building Big Ben, was presented to Sir Keir at his final cabinet meeting on Wednesday morning.

It included a plaque engraved with “Change promised, change fought for, change delivered. Thank you Keir – The Cabinet,” Downing Street said.

Lord Kinnock, the former Labour leader, has told the BBC he advised Sir Keir earlier this year to “stand fast” against challenges to his leadership.

In an interview with BBC Newsnight and 5 Live, he revealed he had been texting the prime minister before and after the local election results in May.