𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Rachel Reeves broke down in tears at the end of Sir Keir Starmer’s final Prime Minister’s Questions.

The outgoing Labour leader made an emotional speech in his “last answer from this despatch box” to the glum faces of his front bench.

He said that “every Prime Minister knows when they take up the torch that the day will come when they have to pass it on”, adding: “That day has come for me.”

Sir Keir will stop being Prime Minister on Monday after Andy Burnham, the MP for Makerfield, won the Labour Leadership race by being the only candidate with enough nominations.

He told MPs and a teary Chancellor, who was comforted as she broke down: “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 am proud of everything that we have achieved.”

Ms Reeves previously made headlines after crying when Sir Keir refused to commit to her remaining in post during a spell of government turmoil.

Last weekend, Ms Reeves told the BBC that her advice to future politicians would be not to cry on national television.

Sir Keir marked his final PMQs on Wednesday by thanking the Speaker. He said: “Can I just take time to say to you, Mr Speaker, and all those who work for the House and in our constituency officers, thank you for all your hard work.”

He added: “To our Civil Service, thank you also for your hard work. To my political team many of them here today, who came on this journey with me, thank you so much for everything you have done and being prepared to walk through fire for me.”

Sir Keir told MPs he was “proud of all we have achieved together and proud of each and every one of you”.

He added: “To my successor and each of you, I will give my full support. To all colleagues, across the House, can I wish you good health and happiness.

“To all those in the gallery, whose lives have been changed or improved by this Labour Government, and all across the country, who struggle to be seen or heard, you’re the reason I came into politics.”

He ended saying: “To my wife and children, I love you. Goodbye.”