'My Work Is Done': Keir Starmer Bids Farewell As Andy Burnham Takes Charge
'My Work Is Done': Keir Starmer Bids Farewell As Andy Burnham Takes Charge Curated By, Last Updated: July 20, 2026, 18:48 IST Keir Starmer resigned
'My Work Is Done': Keir Starmer Bids Farewell As Andy Burnham Takes Charge Curated By, Last Updated: July 20, 2026, 18:48 IST Keir Starmer resigned as UK Prime Minister, backed Andy Burnham and reflected on defence, Ukraine, immigration and his government's achievements. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer talks to Andy Burnham. (REUTERS/File Photo) Andy Burnham on Monday took over as the UK’s 59th Prime Minister after winning the Labour leadership unopposed following Keir Starmer’s resignation. Burnham, 56, formally accepted King Charles III’s invitation to form a government after Starmer submitted his resignation at Buckingham Palace. He became Prime Minister the moment he accepted the King’s invitation in the traditional “kissing hands" ceremony. Burnham is also the UK’s seventh Prime Minister in the last 10 years. Before leaving office, Starmer delivered his farewell speech on the steps of Downing Street, reflecting on his time in power and the changes he said his government had delivered. Here are the five biggest takeaways from his final address. ‘My work is done’, says Starmer Starmer began by formally announcing his resignation, saying it was time to “close the book" on his tenure as Prime Minister.
“Today I am here to offer my resignation and close the book on my time as Prime Minister. My work is done," he said. Looking back at his political journey, Starmer said he had transformed the Labour Party after its historic defeat in 2019 and led it to a landslide general election victory in 2024. He described serving as Prime Minister as “the privilege of my life" and said he believed Britain was “stronger and fairer" than it had been two years ago. Defence and national security Starmer highlighted defence and national security among the achievements of his government. He said Britain’s defence and security were now “on a far stronger footing" and added that the country’s international reputation had been significantly strengthened during his time in office. The outgoing Prime Minister also praised the people who serve the country, including members of the armed forces, NHS staff and volunteers working in communities across Britain. He said witnessing their resolve, compassion and dedication had been the most humbling part of serving as Prime Minister. Ukraine remains central Starmer also referred to Britain’s support for Ukraine while speaking about global challenges.
He said Britain’s enemies would stop at nothing to divide the country because of its values, freedom and decency, and “because of our unflinching resolve towards the brave people of Ukraine." He urged people to remember Britain’s strengths despite the challenges facing the country and said its shared values could help build a better future. Immigration among key achievements Listing his government’s record, Starmer pointed to several areas where he believed progress had been made. He said the economy had become stronger, public services were improving, waiting times had recorded their biggest fall in 17 years, children were being lifted out of poverty every day, and immigration had fallen significantly. According to Starmer, these developments reflected the work carried out during his time in office. Andy Burnham gets full backing As he prepared to leave Downing Street, Starmer endorsed his successor, Andy Burnham. “So, as I now pass the baton to Andy Burnham, I wish him every success. He has my full support," he said. Starmer ended his speech by thanking his wife Vic, their children, his team, Labour Party staff, civil servants and everyone who had supported his government.
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