In his last response to parliament members’ questions, K. Starmer said he wants the next leader of his centre-left Labour Party to succeed.
Read more Sinkevičius chose an advisor for culture – a former minister, a member of another party
“I will give full support to my successor. I want this Labour government to be successful,” he said when asked what advice he has for his successor.
“I want our country to be successful. I will offer my support privately if asked, not publicly if it is not requested,” K. Starmer stated.
K. Starmer announced his resignation last month. He gave in to months of pressure to step down following a series of scandals, mistakes, and political shifts.
These events overshadowed his two years of work, which began after he led the party to victory in the 2024 elections after 14 years in opposition.
A. Burnham is expected to be announced as the Labour leader on Friday. He secured overwhelming support from 403 party MPs and major trade unions.
Due to the comfortable party majority in the 650-seat House of Commons, he will automatically become the next Prime Minister.
On Wednesday, the usual sharp disputes and harsh remarks typical of the weekly Prime Minister’s Questions session were replaced by gentle jokes. K. Starmer was also relaxed and joked with his political opponents.
MPs from all parties wished K. Starmer success, thanked him for his public service, and urged him to ensure that the England team wins Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal against Argentina and defeats Spain in the final on Sunday.
Read more New Moon in Cancer brings bright changes: these 4 signs await a powerful new phase
There is no magic solution
Even the opposition Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch softened her tone but could not resist saying: “He laughed for a long time that I lost control of my party. I think he should have paid attention to his party’s rank and file, not mine.”
However, she warned: “Changing the Prime Minister is not a magic solution. In fact, the Labour Party’s troubles may just be beginning.”
“Fundamental problems in the country will require tough decisions,” she added.
A. Burnham will replace K. Starmer on Monday, shortly after he is expected to meet King Charles III, who will ask him to form a new government.
He will become the seventh UK Prime Minister in the past decade.
MPs applauded loudly when the passionate football fan K. Starmer said “Goodbye” from the parliamentary chamber podium, saying he has a 8 p.m. local time (10 p.m. Lithuanian time) meeting with the TV for the World Cup match.
“This is the end of my political journey,” he said, although he plans to remain a member of parliament for now.
“In two years in government, I leave the country in a better state than I found it. I am proud of everything we have achieved,” he stated.
Finance Minister Rachel Reeves, who sat beside him and also appears unlikely to be in the next government, wiped away tears.
Read more DI changes computer prices: why the cheapest option is not always the best
