Keir Starmer delivered his final Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, announcing the conclusion of his political career [1].

The transition marks a significant shift in UK leadership as Starmer prepares to hand over the Labour Party and the premiership to Andy Burnham [2].

Speaking from the House of Commons in Westminster, Starmer said the moment was "the end of my political journey" [3]. He said to the chamber, "I am proud of everything I have achieved" [4]. The session was characterized by tributes and an emotional atmosphere as the outgoing leader addressed parliament for the last time [3].

Starmer pledged his wholehearted support to Burnham, who is set to take over the party leadership [5]. The transition will occur in stages over the coming days. Starmer is scheduled to step down as the leader of the Labour Party this Friday, July 19, 2026 [2].

Following his resignation from the party leadership, Starmer will remain in office for a short period. He is expected to officially leave 10 Downing Street on the subsequent Monday [2].

The announcement brings a definitive close to Starmer's tenure as Prime Minister. While his final PMQs served as a public farewell, the administrative handover to Burnham will finalize the change in government leadership by next week [1, 2].

“This is the end of my political journey”

The departure of Keir Starmer signals a leadership transition within the Labour Party at a critical juncture. By naming Andy Burnham as his successor and outlining a rapid exit timeline, Starmer aims to ensure a stable transfer of power and maintain party unity during the handover of the premiership.