The still Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, left Downing Street, the seat of the British Government, this Monday, emphasizing that he leaves behind a "stronger" economy and a "more solid" defense, while reiterating his full support for the next British leader, Andy Burnham.
In his last intervention at the door of number 10 as head of Government, prior to formalizing his resignation before King Charles III of England, Starmer presented a positive balance of his two years at the helm of the Executive. He was supported at the event by dozens of political allies and members of the Downing Street staff.
"I am convinced that today the United Kingdom is a stronger and fairer country than it was two years ago. Our economy is stronger," he stated, thus claiming his management at the head of the Government.
"Our public services are improving, with the largest reduction in waiting times in 17 years. Every day, more children are rising out of poverty. Migration has decreased significantly. Our defense and our security are on a much more solid foundation, and our international reputation has been greatly strengthened," he added, listing the advances that, in his opinion, he leaves as a legacy.
Starmer also recalled his six years at the head of the Labour Party, reminiscing that he took on the leadership after "a historic defeat in 2019" and that, in a few years, he "transformed it to be ready to govern the country," culminating in the "decisive victory" obtained in the summer of 2024.
The Labour leader wished "the greatest success" to his successor, Andy Burnham, of whom he highlighted that "he has all his support." He insisted that the new leader will face a complex international scenario.
In this regard, he warned that the United Kingdom faces a world "in which our enemies will stop at nothing to divide us by our values, our freedom, our decency, and, frankly, by our firm and unbreakable determination to support the brave people of Ukraine." Therefore, he claimed the "greatness" of the country and emphasized that it is possible to change the United Kingdom "for the better" and "to unite different people under one flag."
Starmer has concluded his speech amidst applause and expressions of gratitude from collaborators and workers of Downing Street, before getting into the official car alongside his wife, Victoria, heading to Buckingham Palace, where he will formally confirm his resignation to the monarch.
The now former British leader had announced his resignation last June, pressured by internal discontent in the party following a leadership crisis and several chained political controversies. The new Labour leader, Andy Burnham, will take over, who has promised that he will govern "differently" and has indicated that he is already studying a package of measures to address the cost of living.
Burnham has established himself as the figure called to reverse the wear of the Executive and to revitalize Labour. In a short period of time, he managed to obtain a seat in the House of Commons thanks to the by-elections in Makerfield, which allowed him to run in the internal primaries, where he clearly prevailed after receiving 349 supports among Labour MPs.