Keir Starmer passed the torch to Andy Burnham as he gave his last speech as Prime Minister in front of No10
Sir Keir Starmer has said his “work is done” as he announced his intention to meet the King and offer his resignation.
Addressing the nation from No10 with senior Labour figures and his wife standing behind him, Sir Keir said serving as Prime Minister was the “privilege of my life”.
He said: “I'm about to visit His Majesty the King to offer my resignation and close the book on my time as Prime Minister. My work is done.”
He then went on to outline what he deemed to be the successes during his time as PM.
Sir Keir said: “Our economy is stronger, our public services are on the up, with the biggest fall in waiting times for 17 years. Children are being lifted out of poverty every single day.
“Immigration is down significantly, our defence and security are on a far stronger footing and our international reputation is greatly enhanced.”
He then revealed the biggest takeaway from his time as Prime Minister.
He said: “The thing I will always take away with me, the most humbling aspect of this job, is the front row seat you get to witness the greatest things of this country in action, to see every day immeasurable acts of resolve, grit, decency and compassion from people who serve our country, whether that’s in their regimental colours, NHS scrubs or simply the millions of people in their communities who volunteer their time and their effort to the ground beneath their feet.”
Sir Keir continued by handing the torch to Andy Burnham who is set to become the next Prime Minister later today.
Sir Keir said: “As I now pass the baton to Andy Burnham, I wish him every success. He has my full support.
“And finally, I want to thank once again, my family, Vic, and our children, my team, all the staff here, and across the Labour Party, everyone at No10 and across the civil service, and everyone who has supported our efforts along the way.
“For all the focus on individuals, politics will always be a team sport and the changes we've delivered for our country and our party belong to everyone who has fought for them.
“I thank them again today, and I thank the British people for the opportunity to serve. I go with good grace, I go with a smile, and I go proud of everything that we have achieved. Thank you very much.”
Upon finishing his speech, the Holborn & St Pancras MP kissed his wife Victoria before embracing his close allies, amongst them his Chancellor, Rachel Reeves.
Sir Keir then took a car over to Buckingham Palace to meet the King and formally resign as Prime Minister.
He was greeted by Sir Clive Alderton, Principal Private Secretary to the King and Queen, before meeting with the Monarch.
A statement from the Palace said: “The Rt. Hon. Sir Keir Starmer MP had an audience of The King this morning and tendered his resignation as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury which His Majesty was graciously pleased to accept.
