'My work is done’, says Keir Starmer in final address as PM

Keir Starmer has said his “work is done” as he departs No 10 in “good grace” and with “a smile”.

The outgoing prime minister delivered his final address to the nation this morning as he makes way for the incoming Andy Burnham.  

The former mayor of Greater Manchester, who was officially made leader of the Labour Party last week in an uncontested contest, will be made prime minister later today.  

Speaking from No 10 for the last time as PM, Starmer said “it has been the privilege of my life to serve you and this great country”, adding that he is “confident that Britain is now stronger and fairer than it was two years ago”.

He pointed to a strengthening economy, public services “on the up” with “biggest fall in waiting times in 17 years”, immigration that is down “significantly”, and an “enhanced” international reputation, all coming under his tenure as PM.  

However, he cast a stern warning about attempts to “divide” the United Kingdom.

He said: “We face a world now where our enemies will stop at nothing to divide us, because of our values, our freedom, our decency, and frankly because of our unflinching resolve towards the brave people of Ukraine.

He said it was important to remember Britain’s “greatness” and not “succumb” to division.

 He wished Burnham “every success” and said his successor had his “full support”, and thanked his family, his team, his party and the civil service, adding: “For all the focus on individuals, politics will always be a team sport.”

Burnham will be formally made prime minister later this afternoon. He will be the fourth PM of King Charles III’s reign.  

In large part, he has kept specific policies quiet, however, his office has confirmed that his government will scrap plans for digital ID, while the BBC has reported that he will announce plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, but it is unlikely he will issue new licences.  

One of the areas Burnham is likely to focus on is the cost-of-living crisis. It is expected that he will lay those plans out later today.