Sir Keir Starmer was met with warm wishes, touching tributes and even a few tears as he made his final appearance at the despatch box at Prime Minister’s Questions.
The Speaker led the emotional tributes to the prime minister, praising him in particular for his “steadfast support for Ukraine”.
As he responded to questions from MPs, Sir Keir took relish in defending his record and listing his achievements throughout his time at Number 10, often looking up in the galleries as he praised and gave thanks to the families who inspired his campaigns.
Reminding the chamber of his successes, he pointed to the UK economy, improvements to the NHS and investment in tackling child poverty.
Internationally, he said his government had “transformed our international standing in the world, whether through our reset of relations with the EU, or through our leadership on the coalition of the willing or on the Strait of Hormuz”.
A central theme for the House was England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina, as Sir Keir was told he had been given a “red card” by his MPs.
The prime minister responded jovially, saying: “I don’t care what the score is tonight, as long as we win.”
Even Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch softened her typical sharp political jousting today as she chose to lead with humour instead in honour of her opponent’s final session.
In her last exchange with Sir Keir, Ms Badenoch paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the prime minister’s family. In touching remarks, she said: “I know how much his wife and children mean to him, and they are in the gallery today.
“As everyone here knows, our families make a huge sacrifice for our choice to enter public life. So I hope he will allow me to draw our time together to a close by thanking them for the love and support they have given him during his time in office.”
In response, Sir Keir gave a heartfelt thanks to Ms Badenoch for privately supporting him during a tough period.
He told MPs: “We have had robust exchanges across this despatch box, but she has extended kindness to me privately and at very difficult times.
“Including when there was an attempt to burn down our family home, which deeply affected my family, she reached out to me.
“And when my brother died of cancer, she reached out to me privately… and I thank her for that and the tribute that she’s just made to my wife and children, who mean the world to me.”
The House also paid tribute to Ann Widdicombe, as Sir Keir said he was “truly horrified” by the murder of the former Tory minister.
“She was a distinguished politician with deep convictions (and a) vivid and fearless character,” he told MPs, recommending a permanent tribute be put in Parliament in her honour.
His last question was delivered by Labour MP Carolyn Harris, who was in tears as she said the Labour leader’s “service and his leadership” has allowed children to grow up “in a fairer Britain”.
She added: “We stand tall on the world stage, and every day we see his decency and his courage shine through.”
While Rachel Reeves barely held back tears, Sir Keir gave a poignant final speech, thanking his political team for “being prepared to walk through fire for me”.
He said: “Every prime minister knows when they take up the torch, the day will come when they have to pass it on. This is the end of my political journey.”
The outgoing PM promised he will give his “wholehearted support” to Mr Burnham, adding he will give his support “privately if asked for – not publicly when not asked for”.
In his final words, he thanked his family, saying: “To my wife and children, I love you. Goodbye”.
To resounding applause and a standing ovation from MPs, Sir Keir shook hands with the Speaker and left the chamber as prime minister for the final time.
