Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch have both paid tribute to Ann Widdecombe in the prime minister’s final PMQs today.
The PM told MPs he was “truly horrified” by the murder of the former Tory minister.
“She was a distinguished politician with deep convictions (and a) vivid and fearless character,” he told MPs.
He said it was chilling that during his own 11 years in the Commons, three serving or former MPs have been murdered.
On Tuesday, Mr Burnham said a “serious review” was needed into MPs’ security following the killing.
The incoming prime minister said politics has “darkened” in the near decade since he was last in Westminster and protections may need to be “increased further.”
Earlier, the outgoing PM received a bespoke gift of a carriage clock from his Cabinet ministers as his leaving gift during his final meeting with them.
The farewell present was organised by deputy prime minister, David Lammy, and is adorned with an engraved message from the Cabinet.
The present was crafted especially for the outgoing PM by Dent London, the clockmakers who furnished the Elizabeth Tower, which houses Big Ben, according to The Times.
Kemi Badenoch pays tribute to Ann Widdecombe
Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
The Tory leader acknowledged that Miss Widdecombe had defected away from her party as she paid tribute to her at PMQs.
She told MPs: “She was a woman of high principle, profound beliefs, with a wicked sense of humor.
A wonderful combination of being a serious person who did not take herself too seriously.
“She changed her faith from Anglican to Catholic, and from the Conservative Party to the Brexit Party, but she always remained part of the Conservative family.”
She added: “You may not always have agreed with her, but Ann Widdecombe was a woman who said what she meant and meant what she said. Hers was an honesty that made our politics better.”
Maryam Zakir-Hussain15 July 2026 12:17
Reeves looks emotional sitting next to Starmer in his final PMQs
Our political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Rachel Reeves looks emotional as she sits next to Sir Keir Starmer in his final PMQs as prime minister.
Sitting to his right, the chancellor looked downbeat as the Speaker paid tribute to the outgoing PM – just one year after she was seen visibly crying in the weekly Commons clash.
In July 2025, the chancellor sparked controversy for crying in PMQs as Sir Keir refused to guarantee her position amid mounting pressure over a welfare bill u-turn which left a £5bn hole in the public finances.
Maryam Zakir-Hussain15 July 2026 12:16
Maryam Zakir-Hussain15 July 2026 12:10
Starmer calls for a permanent tribute in parliament to Ann Widdecombe
Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
The PM told MPs he was “truly horrified” by the murder of the former Tory minister.
“She was a distinguished politician with deep convictions (and a) vivid and fearless character,” he told MPs.
He said it was chilling that during his own 11 years in the Commons, three serving or former MPs have been murdered.
He mentioned the two murdered MPs as he said: “I look across at the shield for our dear friend Jo Cox and the shield for Sir David Ames, that sits behind me.
“Now, Mr Speaker, I know this is a House matter, so this is my personal view. But I do believe it is befitting for the House to consider a similar tribute to Ann.”
Maryam Zakir-Hussain15 July 2026 12:08
Speaker pays tribute to Starmer in final PMQs
Political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Sir Lindsay Hoyle has paid tribute to Sir Keir Starmer in his final PMQs as prime minister, thanking him for his public service.
The Speaker of the Commons opened the session, telling the Commons: ” We now come to the final Prime Minister’s Questions of this term and, indeed, the final Prime Minister’s Questions for the Right Honourable member for Holborn and St Pancras as prime minister.
“Can I thank the prime minister for his public service, his international leadership particularly in his steadfast support for Ukraine.
“I am sure members will wish to join me in wishing him and his family well in the future. And lets hope this prime minister will be bringing home a winning England world cup.”
Maryam Zakir-Hussain15 July 2026 12:06
Starmer given the ‘red card’ by MPs in tongue-in-cheek reference to England game
Many references have been made to England’s game tonight against Argentina, as one MP said the prime minister has been given a “red card” by the hundreds of MPs sitting in the Commons.
The MP compared the PM to Jude Bellingham, to which Starmer said is a “first and last”.
Starmer added: “I don’t care what the score is tonight, as long as we win.”
Maryam Zakir-Hussain15 July 2026 12:05
Starmer begins PMQs by paying tribute to Ann Widdecombe
The prime minister began his final PMQs by acknowledging the “truly horrifying murder” of Ann Widdecombe.
He added that three serving or former MPs have been murdered since he was in the position as prime minister.
Maryam Zakir-Hussain15 July 2026 12:01
Starmer faces Badenoch in final PMQs
Sir Keir Starmer has entered the chamber as he faces the Kemi Badenoch for his final PMQs today.
His last session in the Commons comes amid the sombre backdrop of former MP Ann Widdecombe’s suspected murder, which has reignited conversation over MPs safety.
Maryam Zakir-Hussain15 July 2026 11:58
In pictures: Starmer heads to final PMQs
Sir Keir Starmer has left Downing Street to head to the House of Commons.
He will face Kemi Badenoch for the last time as prime minister at PMQs from 12pm.
Maryam Zakir-Hussain15 July 2026 11:43
Rachel Reeves says ‘no alliance’ more important than with the EU in likely last major speech as chancellor
Rachel Reeves has said that the UK holds “no alliance” more important than its relationship with the EU in what is anticipated to be her final major speech as Chancellor.
Reflecting on her two years in the Treasury, Ms Reeves urged Britain to be “much bolder” and go “much further” in pursuing closer ties with the bloc.
Maryam Zakir-Hussain15 July 2026 11:20
