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During a poignant moment in the House of Commons, Chancellor Rachel Reeves appeared visibly emotional while standing beside Sir Keir. Labour MP Carolyn Harris was also moved to tears as she praised Sir Keir’s integrity and bravery, saying, “every day we see his decency and his courage shine through.” The atmosphere reflected the gravity of the occasion, as Sir Keir prepared to transfer leadership to Andy Burnham on Monday. Burnham is set to be confirmed as Labour leader at a special conference scheduled for Friday.
Although the Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch chose not to critique the outgoing prime minister’s record directly, she commended his efforts regarding Ukraine and his close relationship with President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, her remarks included subtle digs aimed at Labour MPs and their incoming leader, who has been notably absent from Prime Minister’s Questions sessions since returning to Parliament last month. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey paid tribute to Sir Keir’s ability to collaborate across party lines, describing him as a “true patriot.”
Among those present were several guests invited by the prime minister, including campaigners he had met during his tenure. Addressing them, Sir Keir remarked, “To all those in the gallery whose lives have been changed or improved by this Labour government, and all across the country who struggle to be seen or heard, you’re the reason I came into politics.” Despite having been ousted by his own party just two years after a decisive election win, Sir Keir received applause from Labour members as he entered the Commons chamber. The session was marked by a more relaxed tone than usual for a final Prime Minister’s Questions, incorporating humor about England’s World Cup prospects and the Clacton by-election.
The proceedings commenced on a somber note, with Sir Keir paying homage to former MP Ann Widdecombe. He expressed concern over the fact that during his time in Parliament, three sitting or former MPs had died, a reality he described as “chilling.” Badenoch also honored Widdecombe, recognizing her as a woman of “high principle” who possessed a “wicked sense of humour.” With the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina just hours away, lighthearted references to the match peppered the session. Conservative MP Graham Stuart jested that the prime minister had received a “red card” from “400 dodgy referees,” while Liberal Democrat MP Will Forster asked if Sir Keir might declare a bank holiday should England win. Sir Keir, cautious of tempting fate, suggested revisiting the question after the match.
The discussion also touched on the Clacton by-election, triggered by the resignation of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who is contesting the seat again. As major parties have chosen to boycott the election, accusing Farage of orchestrating a stunt, the candidates now mainly comprise independents and novelty entrants. Sir Keir advised voters to “put your vote in the bin,” while Sir Ed Davey expressed his refusal to endorse “joke figures with ridiculous policies,” explaining his support for Count Binface. Reform UK MP Danny Kruger defended the candidacy, arguing that a “comedian with a dustbin on his head” was a fitting alternative to the major parties
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