RACHEL Reeves cried in the Commons again as Sir Keir Starmer received a standing ovation from Labour MPs during his last PMQs.
The outgoing PM launched a fierce defence of his legacy as he bid farewell to MPs ahead of Andy Burnham taking over on Monday.
MPs gave the outgoing PM a standing ovation as his final PMQs came to a close Credit: PA
Rachel Reeves, who is set to lose her job, cried in the commons for a second time as Sir Keir said goodbye Credit: PA
He said he had left Britain “in a better place” than when he took over in No10 just two years ago.
MPs from all parties gave him a standing ovation – including Labour rebels who brought him down and opposition rivals.
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As Sir Keir said “goodbye” and paid tribute to his watching wife Victoria and kids, members of the frontbench began to well up.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who is expected to lose her job, was seen sobbing while Tech Secretary Liz Kendall wiped away tears.
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Sir Keir was choked up as he delivered his resignation speech last month Credit: PA
The Speaker of the House hailed Sir Keir’s support for Ukraine Credit: PA
Ms Reeves famously cried in the chamber last year in what she has since described as her hardest day in government.
The PM resigned as Labour leader after more than a hundred MPs demanded he quit amid dreadful poll ratings and blunders.
But in a defiant final Commons appearance in the job, Sir Keir said: “Every prime minister knows when they take up the torch that the day will come when they have to pass it on.
“That day has come for me. This is the end of my political journey.
“In six years, we went from historic defeat in 2019 to historic victory in 2024, and in two years in government I leave the country in better shape than I found it.
“I’m proud of everything that we have achieved.”
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch swapped her usual tough approach to pay tribute to the PM’s service.
She said: “I know how much his wife and children mean to him, and that they are in the gallery today.
“As everyone here knows, all 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 throughout his time in office.”
Mr Burnham will become Labour leader on Friday and take over as PM the following Monday.
He is set to succeed the PM after securing the backing of his party in full, leaving him unopposed for the top job.
Sir Keir will give a final valedictory address outside No10 on Monday before heading to Buckingham Palace to tender his resignation to the King.
The outgoing PM fought back tears in June while announcing he would quit as Prime Minister, after just two years in power.
Today, the Speaker of the House praised Sir Keir for his, “public service, international leadership and steadfast support for Ukraine” during an emotional final PMQs.
He added: “I am sure members will wish to join me in wishing him and his family well in the future.”
Sir Keir declined to take a shot at the former Manchester Mayor today however, despite Mr Burnham effectively unseating him.
Asked what advice he would offer to the PM-to-be, Sir Keir said: “I will give my wholehearted support. I want this Labour Government to be a success.”
Sir Keir went on to say: “Every Prime Minister knows when they take up the torch that the day will come when they have to pass it on.
“That day has come for me. This is the end of my political journey.”
His wife, Lady Starmer, and their children watched from the Commons gallery as the emotional farewell concluded.
Before PMQs Sir Keir held a final cabinet meeting with his ministers – where it is understood he was presented with a carriage clock and two bottles of wine.
Nominations to succeed Sir Keir opened opened last Thursday with Andy Burnham now expected to take the top job in just a matter of days.
