Starmer’s last Commons session as PM will be bittersweetpublished at 11:12 BST
11:12 BST
Brian Wheeler
Political reporter
Image source, Getty Images
They think it’s all over for Keir Starmer and at midday it will be as he takes his 64th and final Prime Minister’s Questions.
Starmer’s last Commons appearance as PM, after just over two years in the job, is likely to be a bittersweet affair.
The normal Commons hostilities tend to take a back seat on occasions like this and MPs are already demob happy with the summer recess starting tomorrow.
There is also the small matter of the World Cup. Starmer will no doubt begin by wishing England well in their semi-final clash with Argentina tonight.
Image source, PA
If England make it to the final against Spain on Sunday, Starmer is widely expected to be there to cheer them on in New York.
Downing Street has said the outgoing PM does not want to “jinx” England by announcing his travel plans in advance.
But if Starmer has to fly back from the US it could delay the handover of power to Andy Burnham, which is due to take place on Monday morning.
Not that Burnham will mind, especially if England win.