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In his final Cabinet meeting on Wednesday morning, Keir Starmer highlighted his proudest achievements while in government, pointing to the UK economy, improvements to the NHS and investment in tackling child poverty
Keir Starmer will depart as PM next week after six years in charge of the Labour party.
In his final Cabinet meeting on Wednesday morning, Mr Starmer highlighted his proudest achievements while in government, pointing to the UK economy, improvements to the NHS and investment in tackling child poverty.
He told ministers his administration had “transformed our international standing” as he hailed his efforts to reset ties with the European Union and take a leading role in the coalition of the willing on Ukraine and a future mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
It comes as MPs from all parties paid tribute to the outgoing-PM, who pledged to give his “wholehearted support” to Andy Burnham “privately if asked for, not publicly when not asked for”.
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At the same meeting, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy paid tribute to the PM’s legacy to mark the end of meeting, praising his work ethic and resilience.
He said: “You prioritised the people of this country. Not many politicians at this level can say that.
“Second, your incredible energy and work ethic: I’ve never known a politician put in the hours that you do. Again and again, day after day, always trying to do more for the people that we serve, and third, your sheer resilience.
“All of us around this table have thick skins. We’ve got to, to do this job but the nature of politics now is that leaders are not treated kindly in the moment.
“But what you’ve done in Government for our party means that the history books will write you up as a giant of the Labour movement, and for that we thank you very much.”
He was given a standing ovation at the end of the final weekly meeting.
In emotional scenes during Mr Starmer’s final PMQs that saw many in tears, Mr Starmer bowed out with warm applause from the majority of the Commons, although the Tories remained seated and did not applaud.
