Starmer Bids Farewell as UK PM, Pledges Support for Successor Burnham

Outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has officially bid farewell to Parliament, promising his full support to incoming Labour leader Andy Burnham as the United Kingdom prepares for another change in leadership.

Speaking during his final Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Starmer said he wants the Labour government and the country to succeed, adding that he would offer private advice to Burnham whenever needed.

Starmer announced his resignation last month after mounting political pressure following a series of controversies and policy reversals. Despite leading Labour to a landslide victory in the 2024 general election, he is stepping down after just two years in office.

Andy Burnham is expected to be confirmed as Labour Party leader on Friday before formally taking office as Prime Minister on Monday. Backed by the majority of Labour MPs and key trade unions, Burnham will automatically assume the premiership due to Labour's majority in Parliament.

Lawmakers from across the political spectrum paid tribute to Starmer during his final parliamentary session, thanking him for his public service. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, however, argued that replacing the prime minister alone would not resolve the country's challenges.

Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, will become the UK's seventh prime minister in a decade and is expected to meet King Charles III after taking office.

Concluding his farewell speech, Starmer told MPs that he was proud of his government's achievements and wished Parliament goodbye, saying he believes he is leaving the country in a better position than when he took office.

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