Outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has promised to give his 'wholehearted support' to his successor, Andy Burnham, in an emotional final appearance in the House of Commons. Starmer announced his resignation last month after just two years in power.

Facing his last session of Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs), Starmer said he wanted the next Labour leader to succeed. 'I want this Labour government to be a success. I want our country to be a success,' he stated.

Starmer's resignation followed months of pressure due to scandals, missteps and policy U-turns. He led Labour to a resounding victory in the 2024 general election after 14 years in opposition but served only two years as PM.

Burnham is expected to be named Labour leader on Friday and formally replace Starmer on Monday. He secured overwhelming support from the party's 403 MPs and major trade unions, ensuring he will automatically become the next prime minister.

MPs from all parties wished Starmer well at the weekly PMQs, thanking him for his public service. Some jokingly urged him to ensure England wins Wednesday's World Cup semifinal against Argentina.

Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch quipped: 'Changing the prime minister is not a silver bullet. It may be that the Labour Party's troubles are only just beginning.'

Most MPs applauded Starmer, and many gave him a standing ovation as he bid an emphatic 'goodbye' on the parliament floor. 'This is the end of my political journey,' he said. 'I leave the country in better shape than I found it.'

Source: www.aljazeera.com