Politics Home | Keir Starmer Says He Is Leaving “With A Smile” and “Good Grace” In Final Speech As PM

Keir Starmer gave his final address as PM outside No 10 on Monday morning (Alamy)

3 min read8 min

Starmer gave his final address outside No 10 Downing Street on Monday morning, ahead of former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham replacing him in office in the afternoon. 

“For all the focus on individuals, politics will always be a team sport, and the changes we’ve delivered for our country and our party belong to everyone who has fought for them,” Starmer said. 

“I thank them again today, and I thank the British people for the opportunity to serve. I go with good grace, I go with a smile, and I go proud of everything that we have achieved.”

He said he was “confident” that Britain is now “stronger and fairer” than it was before Labour entered government in 2024.

“Our economy is stronger,” he said.

“Our public services are on the up, with the biggest fall in waiting times for 17 years. Children are being lifted out of poverty every single day. Immigration is down significantly. Our defence and security are on a far stronger footing, and our international reputation is greatly enhanced.”

He also highlighted his achievement of securing a landslide election win for the Labour Party in the 2024 general election.

Describing “everyday immeasurable acts of resolve, grit, decency, and compassion from people who serve our country”, Starmer made a call for national unity among “different people under our common flag”.

“We face a world now where our enemies will stop at nothing to divide us, because of our values, our freedom, our decency, and frankly, because of our unflinching resolve towards the brave people of Ukraine,” he continued.

“And so, under this attack, it is vital that we remember the greatness of the Britain all around us.”

The outgoing prime minister wished Burnham well in taking over the premiership, and said he had his “full support”, before thanking his family, his staff, the civil service, and “everyone who has supported our efforts along the way”.

As Starmer spoke, his key staff, allies and supporters stood behind him and along Downing Street. His wife Victoria Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed, Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer, and Starmer’s top advisers Sophie Nazemi, Ben Nunn, and Amy Richards were among those surrounding him by the front door to No 10.

Following the speech, Starmer headed to Buckingham Palace to meet the King and offer his resignation as PM.