Rishi Sunak addresses rumours he’ll transfer to California in closing PMQs with Keir Starmer

On Oct 30, 2024

Keir Starmer paid tribute to Rishi Sunak as the pair laughed and joked together at their final meeting at Prime Minister’s Questions.

MPs from across the house erupted in laughter after Mr Sunak addressed rumours he’ll move to California. Speculation has been swirling that the former Tory PM is thinking about quitting politics after a new Conservative leader is elected and escaping to California – where he owns a $7.2million beach house.

In an amusing moment at PMQs, a relaxed Mr Sunak jokingly addressed the rumours: “Today is my last appearance at PMQs, and I’m happy to confirm reports that I will now be spending more time in the greatest place where the scenery is indeed worthy of a movie set and everyone is a character. That’s right, if anyone needs me, I will be in Yorkshire.”

In an amusing moment at PMQs, a relaxed Rishi Sunak jokingly addressed the rumour that he was moving to California

Mr Starmer paid tribute to Mr Sunak who will be replaced by either Kemi Badenoch or Robert Jenrick when the Tory leadership comes to an end on Saturday. The Prime Minister said: “I wish everyone celebrating in the UK and around the world a joyful Diwali, a time to come together to celebrate the focus on a brighter future. Last Diwali, the Leader of the Opposition and his family lit diyas outside 10 Downing Street. It was a significant moment in our national story. The first British Asian Prime Minister. It is a reminder that this is a country where people of every background can fulfil their dreams and it makes us all proud to be British.

“As this is our last exchange across the despatch box, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the Leader of the Opposition for his service. Now, of course, we’ve had political disagreements, ideological disagreements. We’ve argued at some length, but I want to thank him for his hard work, for his commitment and for his decency in everything he has done. I wish the him and his family the very best for whatever the future they hold.”

Keir Starmer paid tribute to Rishi Sunak at their last PMQs together

Mr Sunak thanked the PM for his “kind words”. He joked: “No Prime Minister looks forward to PMQs but I always did like this pre-Budget one because it was for a change nice not to be the main event and just the warm up event.”

The Tory MP for Richmond and Northallerton said he was looking forward to walks along the coast in Yorkshire and asked the PM if he could assure a coastal walk would become “Britain’s greatest natural trail”. Mr Sunak then imitated a common question MPs ask to the Prime Minister: “In preparation for my return to the backbenches, will he meet me to discuss this important topic?”

MPs cheered and laughed in response. Mr Starmer responded: “”Mr Speaker, I thought he was going to ask me to join him on the walk. But certainly I will meet him. It’s an important point.”