Starmer says his political journey is over at his last question session as UK leader

By — Jill Lawless, Associated Press Jill Lawless, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/starmer-says-his-political-journey-is-over-at-his-last-question-session-as-uk-leader Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Starmer says his political journey is over at his last question session as UK leader World Jul 15, 2026 6:04 PM EDT LONDON (AP) — Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that he was leaving the United Kingdom in "better shape than I found it" as he fielded questions, criticism and even a bit of praise from lawmakers in the House of Commons for the last time on Wednesday. Starmer, who leaves office next week, bid farewell to the boisterous weekly Prime Minister's Questions sessions where he has traded barbs with opposition politicians and defended his government's record. On Monday, he will step down as prime minister after losing the support of his Labour Party, handing over power to a new Labour leader, Andy Burnham. WATCH: Starmer resigns as UK's prime minister, succumbing to political pressure "Every prime minister knows when they take up the torch that the day will come when they have to pass it on," said Starmer, who has spent six years as leader of the Labour Party and two as prime minister. "This is the end of my political journey," he said, though he plans to remain a backbench lawmaker for now. Britain's parliamentary democracy allows governing parties to change leaders, and thus prime ministers, without the need for a general election. The next national election doesn't have to be held until 2029. PMQs is a weekly ritual in British politics, where the prime minister answers questions, from opposition party leaders and others, on topics they don't know in advance. A test of leaders' ability to think on their feet, it is derided by some as political pantomime that generates more noise than insight. Starmer's valedictory session was a gentler affair, mixing seriousness and political criticism with personal tributes and jokes about an upcoming special election pitting Reform UK leader Nigel Farage against the comedy candidate Count Binface. Starmer opened by saying he was "horrified" at the killing last week of the former lawmaker Ann Widdecombe. Counterterrorism police are investigating it as murder. Starmer called it "chilling" that three serving or former members have been killed during his 11 years in Parliament, and urged politicians to "do more to defend our democracy." READ MORE: Andy Burnham distanced himself from UK Prime Minister Starmer, but may be stuck with his policies Instead of mentioning upcoming meetings with ministers, as he has every other week, Starmer said that he had "an important appointment with the television" later when England faces Argentina in a World Cup semifinal. Kemi Badenoch — the fourth leader of the opposition Conservative Party since 2022 — cautioned Labour that changing leaders is no "silver bullet," and reca