‘I go with a smile’ — Starmer bows out as UK Prime Minister

Keir Starmer left Downing Street on Monday insisting that Britain had become stronger and fairer during his turbulent two-year tenure as prime minister.

Starmer delivered his farewell address outside Number 10 before travelling to Buckingham Palace to formally tender his resignation to King Charles III.

“Britain is now stronger and fairer than it was two years ago,” the outgoing prime minister declared.

“I go with good grace, I go with a smile,” Starmer added as he reflected on his government’s record.

He was accompanied by his wife, Victoria, as he departed Downing Street to make way for his successor, Andy Burnham.

Starmer swept Labour into power in July 2024 with a landslide victory, ending 14 years of Conservative rule.

However, he announced his departure in late June following mounting pressure over controversies, policy reversals and declining support for his government.

Burnham has since been formally appointed prime minister by King Charles and is expected to move quickly in naming his Cabinet.

The former Greater Manchester mayor takes office with Britain facing sluggish economic growth, rising borrowing costs, an expanding welfare bill and continued pressure from irregular migration.

He has promised early action to ease the cost-of-living crisis, restore public confidence and devolve more power from Westminster to regional communities.

Burnham’s first major policy move came before entering Downing Street when he scrapped Starmer’s proposed nationwide digital identification scheme.

The new prime minister said his government would adopt a different economic approach focused on early investment and intervention rather than spending heavily to address problems after they escalate.