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UK’s Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has officially become prime minister of the United Kingdom after his party secured a commanding majority in the 650-seat parliament. Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives faced the prospect of their worst defeat in the party’s extensive history amid the ongoing cost of living crisis, deteriorating public services, and numerous scandals.

Starmer received the blessing of King Charles III to form a government in a ceremony known as the “kissing of hands.” A photo of the occasion served as the official announcement of Starmer’s new title.

Keir Starmer arrived at Downing Street with his wife, Victoria Starmer, for the first time as the new prime minister of the United Kingdom shortly after meeting with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.

Starmer’s victory speech encapsulated his campaign’s message of change and renewal: “Change begins now. We said we would end the chaos, and we will. We said we would turn the page, and we have. Today, we start the next chapter, begin the work of change, the mission of national renewal, and start to rebuild our country.”

Landslide Labour win ends 14 years of Conservatives

Keir Starmer vowed to rebuild Britain as its next prime minister after his Labour Party’s landslide victory ending 14 years of Conservative government.

The Labour Party had won 412 seats in the 650-seat parliament. Conservative on the other hand managed to secure 121 seats. This result is seen as a repudiation of the Conservative’s handling of key issues and a desire for a new direction in British politics.

Under the leadership of Keir Starmer, the Labour Party capitalized on the widespread dissatisfaction with the Conservative government. Starmer, who took over the party leadership in 2020, worked to reposition Labour as a credible alternative to the Conservatives. His campaign focused on themes of stability, competence, and a promise to end the chaos that had characterized the latter years of Conservative rule.

We said we will stop the chaos. And we will.

We said we will turn the page. And we have.

The work of change begins today. pic.twitter.com/nROZuPdxNj

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 5, 2024

The Conservative Party, which has been in power in the UK for over 14 years, has been facing increasing criticism from the public over various issues, including the cost-of-living crisis, deteriorating public services, and multiple scandals involving high-profile figures. These factors created a fertile ground for opposition parties to gain traction, culminating in a significant electoral shift.

The election result has upended British politics as the Conservatives lost about 250 lawmakers, including a record number of senior ministers and former Prime Minister Liz Truss.

Sunak resigns as prime minister

Rishi Sunak, the outgoing prime minister, and leader of the Conservative Party conceded defeat and acknowledged the need for introspection and rebuilding within his party. “Today power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner, with goodwill on all sides. There is much to learn and reflect on, and I take responsibility for the loss to the many good hardworking Conservative candidates… I am sorry.”

Sunak has departed from Buckingham Palace following his resignation as prime minister after the Conservative Party suffered staggering losses in the general election. he officially left the post after tendering his resignation to King Charles III.

Starmer’s first speech as prime minister outside 10 Downing Street

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer started off his first speech outside No. 10 Downing Street by thanking his predecessor, Rishi Sunak, before saying “the work of change begins immediately.” He reminded the people that “Changing a country is not like flicking a switch. It’s hard work. Patient, determined, work, and we will have to get moving immediately.”

Starmer vowed to “rebuild” the country’s “infrastructure of opportunity”, doing so “brick by brick” and vowed a “government of service”.

The UK’s new Prime Minister Keir Starmer pays tribute to predecessor Rishi Sunak but says “our country has voted decisively for change”

More updates and analysis of his Downing Street speech: https://t.co/UwZkkA16MO pic.twitter.com/GilhMrXXXv

— Bloomberg UK (@BloombergUK) July 5, 2024

Here are some of Labour’s top priorities:

• Ensure economic stability through clear tax and spending policies, with no hikes in existing income tax rates.
• Reduce NHS waiting times by offering 40,000 additional appointments per week, incentivizing staff to work weekends with higher pay.
• Establish a Border Security Command with counter-terrorism powers to combat trafficking and people smuggling.
• Launch Great British Energy, a public clean energy company, to create jobs, reduce bills, and invest in sustainable energy.
• Recruit 6,500 new teachers and implement free breakfast clubs at every primary school in England.

Challenges ahead

Despite the electoral victory, Keir Starmer, and the Labour Party face significant challenges. The UK is grappling with high levels of national debt, economic stagnation, and a struggling National Health Service (NHS). Moreover, while Labour has secured a mandate for change, there is a noted lack of enthusiasm for the party and its leader, as reflected in various polls.

The UK’s tax burden is at its highest since the post-World War II era, and living standards have been declining. Due to economic constraints, Starmer has already had to temper some of Labor’s more ambitious proposals, such as extensive pledges for green spending. He has also pledged not to raise taxes for working people, which will complicate efforts to address fiscal challenges.

The NHS, a cornerstone of British public services, has been beset by strikes and operational challenges. Starmer’s promise to rebuild and rejuvenate public services will require substantial investment and reform, presenting a formidable task for the new government.

A significant element in this election was the rise of the right-wing populist Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage. Reform UK’s strong stance on immigration and their critique of the Conservative’s policies resonated with a segment of the electorate, leading to their capture of four parliamentary seats. Farage’s election to parliament after multiple failed attempts symbolizes a growing populist sentiment within the UK.

Starmer has also committed to scrapping the Conservative’s controversial policy of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda but will face pressure to develop a sustainable solution to the issue of immigration, particularly with the influx of people arriving from France across the Channel.

The Conservative Party is at a crossroads, with internal debates about its future direction already underway. Some within the party argue that its downfall stemmed from straying too far from its center-right roots, while others believe that the Reform UK Party attracted voters who felt the party had abandoned its core principles.

British foreign policy

On the international stage, Starmer has vowed to continue the UK’s strong support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, maintaining continuity with the previous government’s stance. His approach to relations with the European Union will be closely watched, especially given the complexities introduced by Brexit. While Starmer has indicated a desire to improve relations with the EU, he has made it clear that rejoining is not currently on the agenda.

The potential election of Donald Trump in the upcoming U.S. presidential election adds another layer of complexity. Trump’s support for the Reform UK Party and his influence on international politics could impact Starmer’s foreign policy strategies in the future.

World leaders congratulate Starmer after stunning victory

Several international leaders extended their congratulations to Keir Starmer on his election as the UK’s next Prime Minister, expressing optimism for the future and a desire for continued cooperation and strengthened ties.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: “We have a strong relationship between our two countries, but in Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner and so many others who I am very familiar with in the British Labour Party, I look forward very much to working with them. They have very similar views to us on a range of issues. I’m sure we’ll work closely on AUKUS, where we worked very closely as well with the former government.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: “Congratulations, Keir Starmer, on a historic U.K. election victory. Lots of work ahead to build a more progressive, fair future for people on both sides of the Atlantic. Let’s get to it, my friend.”

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins: “Congratulations Keir Starmer on your election victory. New Zealand and the UK are great friends and can do so much more together. I look forward to working on every opportunity together as prime minister. Thank you, Rishi Sunak, for your service to your nation and friendship to New Zealand.”

French President Emmanuel Macron: “Congratulations Sir Keir Starmer on your victory. Pleased with our first discussion. We will continue the work begun with the UK for our bilateral cooperation, for peace and security in Europe, for the climate and AI.”

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris: “Keir Starmer has brought the Labour Party a comprehensive victory. I congratulate him and his candidates and I look forward to working together as close neighbors and friends. The relationship between Ireland and the UK is deeply consequential for all people across these islands… I look forward to early engagement with the incoming Prime Minister…”

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store: “Voters have given the British Labour Party a historically strong mandate to change its course, give people in Great Britain more money in their pockets, and strengthen state schools and the National Health Service. I wish Starmer the very best and good luck with a very important job.”

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission: “Congratulations Keir Starmer on your electoral victory. I look forward to working with you in a constructive partnership to address common challenges and strengthen European security.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: “Congratulations to Keir Starmer and UKLabour on their convincing election victory. Ukraine and the United Kingdom have been and will continue to be reliable allies through thick and thin. We will continue to defend and advance our common values of life, freedom, and a rules-based international order… I am grateful to my good friend Rishi Sunak for the UK government’s steadfast support under his leadership. Challenger tanks, Storm Shadow missiles, F-16 training for our pilots, and the first bilateral security cooperation agreement are just a few of our shared achievements that Ukraine will never forget.”

Roberta Metsola, President of the EU Parliament: “Congratulations Keir Starmer! The relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom is rooted in our shared values and longstanding friendship. As allies and partners, it is in our common interest to continue working closely together.”