Summary
Overview
The News Agents cover Keir Starmer's final Prime Minister's Questions as he prepares to leave office, replaced by Andy Burnham. The session was notably civil and reflective, with tributes from across the political spectrum, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. The hosts discuss the strange circumstances of Starmer's departure after winning a landslide just two years ago, the uncertainty surrounding Burnham's incoming government, and what this reveals about the brutal yet oddly polite nature of British politics.
A Rare Gentleness at Prime Minister's Questions
Keir Starmer's final PMQs had an unusually warm and elegiac quality, with even opposition leader Kemi Badenoch showing restraint and affection. The session was softened by recent events, including the murder of an MP that made politicians reflect on the dangers of public life, and excitement about England's World Cup match. MPs from all sides acknowledged Starmer's achievements while simultaneously having orchestrated his removal from office just weeks after his by-election victory.
- There was a rare gentleness and elegiac quality to PMQs as Keir Starmer's own MPs gave him a fond farewell despite having driven him from office
- The murder of Anne Widdicombe stopped everyone in their tracks and made MPs reflect on the extraordinary risks of being a public figure in politics
- Jude Bellingham received more name checks than Keir Starmer as excitement about England's World Cup match brought the House together
" Most of us, Mr Speaker, can only dream of playing the role of Jude Bellingham, scoring the winning goal, leading our team to victory. Yet the Prime Minister did it. But politics, like football, is a ruthless game. And he's now been handed a red card by the 400 dodgy referees. "
" life can come at you fast "
Personal Moments and Private Kindnesses
In a touching exchange, Kemi Badenoch thanked Starmer's family for their sacrifice while he acknowledged her private acts of kindness during difficult moments, including when someone tried to burn down his family home and when his brother died of cancer. These moments revealed the humanity behind the political combat, showing that private kindnesses can be just as powerful as public exchanges, even as politicians engage in robust debate.
- Badenoch thanked Starmer's wife and children in the gallery for the sacrifices they made for his choice to enter public life
- Starmer revealed Badenoch reached out privately when there was an attempt to burn down his family home
- Badenoch also reached out privately when Starmer's brother died of cancer
" She reached out to me privately at very difficult times including when there was an attempt to burn down our family home which deeply affected my family. She reached out to me. And when my brother died of cancer, she reached out to me privately, not across this dispatch box. And I thank her for that. "
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