Starmer faces last question session in Parliament before leaving office next week
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will face lawmakers in the House of Commons on Wednesday for his final Prime Minister's Questions before leaving office next week.
The weekly session marks Starmer's last appearance at the dispatch box before he steps down on Monday after two years in office, handing power to Labour Party leader-designate Andy Burnham.
Under Britain's parliamentary system, the governing party can change its leader—and therefore the prime minister—without holding a general election. The next nationwide vote is not due until 2029.
Starmer won a landslide election victory in July 2024 but announced his resignation after a difficult premiership marked by policy setbacks and declining public support.
His government struggled to deliver sustained economic growth, improve strained public services and ease the cost-of-living crisis. His administration also faced criticism over a series of political missteps, including the appointment of Peter Mandelson as Britain's ambassador to the United States.
Following Labour's poor performance in May's local elections, Starmer bowed to mounting pressure from within the party and confirmed he would step down. Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester and the sole candidate in the leadership contest, is expected to be confirmed as Labour leader on Friday.
On Monday, Starmer will formally tender his resignation to King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, after which the monarch will invite Burnham to form a government.
During his final Prime Minister's Questions, Starmer is expected to highlight his government's domestic achievements, including stronger protections for renters, an increase in the minimum wage and legislation aimed at preventing official cover-ups following public tragedies.
He is also expected to point to his foreign policy record, including support for Ukraine in its war with Russia and efforts to rebuild ties with the European Union after Brexit.
On Tuesday, Starmer attended Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, where French President Emmanuel Macron awarded him the Legion of Honour in recognition of his work with France on European security.
Later, at a reception in the garden of 10 Downing Street for campaigners seeking accountability after losing loved ones to violence, Starmer reflected on his time in office.
"I leave on Monday with good grace," he said. "I'm very pleased I've had the privilege of being prime minister. I'm pleased to have delivered on the promises that are made to many people in this garden. And I'll make this last promise, which is I will stand with you and walk with you, as long as I've got breath in my body."