London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to face lawmakers in the House of Commons on Wednesday for the final time before stepping down from office next week.
Starmer will make his last appearance at the weekly Prime Minister’s Questions session, where he has regularly defended his government’s record and faced scrutiny from opposition parties.
The Labour leader is due to leave office on Monday after two years as prime minister, handing power to former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who is expected to be confirmed as Labour Party leader on Friday.
Under Britain’s parliamentary system, a governing party can change its leader — and therefore the prime minister — without holding a general election. The next UK general election is not required until 2029.
Starmer came to power in a landslide election victory in July 2024 but is departing after a premiership marked by economic challenges, pressure on public services and declining support within his party.
His government struggled to deliver the economic growth it had promised and faced criticism over a number of political decisions, including the appointment of Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to the United States.
Following Labour’s poor performance in local elections in May, Starmer announced he would step down amid growing pressure from within the party.
During his final parliamentary appearance, Starmer is expected to highlight achievements including stronger protections for renters, increases in the minimum wage and legislation aimed at preventing official cover-ups following public tragedies.
He is also expected to point to his government’s support for Ukraine and efforts to strengthen relations with European partners after Brexit.
On Tuesday, Starmer attended Bastille Day celebrations in Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, who awarded him France’s Legion of Honor in recognition of his contribution to European security.
He is scheduled to formally submit his resignation to King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on Monday, after which the monarch is expected to invite Burnham to form a government and become Britain’s next prime minister.