'My work is done': Keir Starmer delivers farewell speech as Andy Burnham takes charge as UK's Prime Minister

UK's bids farewell to Keir Starmer as he delivered his final address as prime minister on Monday as Andy Burnham takes the country's top job.

His last speech outside 10 Downing Street on 20 July 2026, was a farewell address reflecting on his time in office and the direction he believed the country had taken under his leadership.

Thanked Britishers before visting King Charles III:

Speaking before traveling to Buckingham Palace to resign, he described his period as Prime Minister as one focused on restoring stability, strengthening public services, and improving opportunities across the United Kingdom.

Prior to his formal resignation to King Charles III, Starmer said, "Thank you. Thank you very much and good morning.I’m about to visit His Majesty the King to offer my resignation and close the book on my time as Prime Minister. My work is done."

The former Prime Minister thanked Britishers for the opportunity to serve and acknowledged the work of ministers, civil servants, and others who had supported his government.

Reflected upon his role as UK's Prime Minister:

"In six and a half years, I took our party from a historic defeat in 2019, changed it so it was fit to face the country, and won a landslide general election victory in 2024."

"Since then, it has been the privilege of my life to serve you and this great country as Prime Minister. And I am confident that Britain is now stronger and fairer than it was two years ago."

He pointed to progress in areas such as economic stability, public service reform, and investment, presenting these as evidence that his administration had delivered meaningful change despite significant challenges.

"Our economy is stronger. Our public services are on the up with the biggest fall in waiting times for 17 years. Children are being lifted out of poverty every single day. Immigration is down significantly."

"Our defence and security are on a far stronger footing, and our international reputation is greatly enhanced."

"Yet the thing I will always take away with me—the most humbling aspect of this job—is the front row seat you get to witness the greatest things of this country in action"

 "See every day immeasurable acts of resolve, grit, decency, and compassion from people who serve our country, whether that’s in their regimental colours, NHS scrubs, or simply the millions of people in their communities who volunteer their time and their effort to the ground beneath their feet."

Showed support for Ukraine and Urged Britishers for Unity:

We face a world now where our enemies will stop at nothing to divide us because of our values, our freedom, our decency, and frankly, because of our unflinching resolve towards the brave people of Ukraine.

"Is vital that we remember the greatness of the Britain all around us. That while we debate how to fix our problems, there is something we inherit from our country and our character that can give us confidence that we can change our country for the better. "

" we can create a Britain where every child can go as far as their talent will take them, and we can unite different people under our common flag if we don't succumb to that division."

Thanked his Family and Supporters:

"I want to thank once again my family, Vic and our children, my team, all the staff here and across the Labour party, everyone at No 10 and across the civil service, and everyone who has supported our efforts along the way."

"For all the focus on individuals, politics will always be a team sport, and the changes we've delivered for our country and our party belong to everyone who has fought for them."

"I thank them again today, and I thank the British people for the opportunity to serve."

"I go with good grace, I go with a smile, and I go proud of everything that we have achieved.Thank you very much."

Full Support for Andy Burnham and Transition of Power

'My work is done', Starmer shows full Support for Burnham; praised smooth Transition of Power

The former British Prime Minister stated that his "work is done" and argued that the country was "stronger and fairer" than when he entered office.

A central theme of the speech was Starmer's belief that his government had fulfilled the objectives it had set out to achieve.

The speech also highlighted the importance of democratic traditions in the United Kingdom.

He stressed that a peaceful and orderly transfer of power is one of the country's greatest democratic strengths and encouraged the public to support the new administration as it began its work.

Starmer congratulated his successor, Andy Burnham, and wished the incoming government success.

"So as I now pass the baton to Andy Burnham, I wish him every success. He has my full support.

Notably, UK's newly sworn Prime Minister Andy Burnham follows Keir Starmer, Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss after he fomally took charge on July 20, 2026.