General Election LIVE: Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria settle into No10 after historic win
NEWLY elected Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria waved as they arrived at No10 Downing Street today.
The Labour leader was cheered on by staff inside his new official London residence after making his first address to the nation.
His arrival into Downing Street was hailed earlier today after King Charles formally installed him as Britain's 58th Prime Minister.
Sir Keir and Victoria were given a glorious welcome after returning from the Palace, where they had met with His Majesty, the Queen's principal private secretary Sir Clive Alderton, and Charles's equerry Royal Navy Commander William Thornton.
He vowed to "fight every day" and "rebuild Britain" as he delivered his first speech in front of No. 10.
It comes as Sir Keir is formally naming his Cabinet as the top team meet in No10 for the first time.
Firebrand Angela Rayner has been appointed Deputy PM and Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
And Rachel Reeves makes history today as Britain's first female Chancellor.
The coveted role of Foreign Secretary will be held by David Lammy, while Yvette Cooper as Home Secretary faces the tough task of stopping small boats.
Meanwhile, the nation's security will heavily depend on John Healey as Defence Secretary.
Other cabinet roles include:
- Shabana Mahmood as Justice Secretary
- Wes Streeting as Health Secretary
- Bridget Phillipson as Education Secretary
- Ed Miliband as Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary
- Pat McFadden as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
- Liz Kendall as Secretary Work and Pensions Secretary
- Jonathan Reynolds as Business and Trade Secretary
- Peter Kyle as Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary
- Louise Haigh MP as Transport Secretary
Earlier Sir Keir promised to "fight every day" and "rebuild Britain" as he delivered his first speech in front of No. 10.
In sun-soaked Downing Street, the Labour chief vowed that "my government will serve you".
After a historic election night:
- Keir Starmer has become Britain's next Prime Minister after Labour got 412 seats amid a brutal Tory wipeout.
- He promised to lead a Labour party grounded in “public service” in his first speech as PM in front of a jubilant crowd at No 10.
- Sir Keir will now appoint his cabinet as he cracks on with his plan for change.
- Rishi Sunak admitted defeat earlier on the steps of Downing Street and apologised to the nation for his party’s failures.
- Tory big beasts including former PM Liz Truss and ex-Defence Secretary Grant Shapps have lost seats after a nightmare night for Conservatives.
- He was followed by Leader of the House Penny Mordaunt, one of eight Cabinet ministers have lost their seats
- Nigel Farage’s Reform party claimed an unprecedented four seats as they grabbed votes from the Tories.
- Tory defector Lee Anderson claimed the first Reform seat, followed by Farage, Richard Tice, and Rupert Lowe.
- Sir Keir's predecessor Jeremy Corbyn, now standing as an independent, also held onto Islington North
- All eyes are now on our new PM with Piers Morgan telling our Never Mind The Ballots election show that Sir Keir MUST deliver real change after the Tory disaster
Making an appeal to those who did not vote for his party yesterday, he said: “Whether you voted Labour or not, in fact, especially if you did not, I say to you directly: my government will serve you.”
Sir Keir acknowledged changing a country is not "like flicking a switch" and that will "take a while".
But he went on to say: "I have no doubt that the work of change begins immediately. I have no doubt that we will rebuild Britain with wealth created in every community."
The new Prime Minister also invited the country to join him in his mission.
And he pledged to bring an end to "the era of noisy performance".
To rapturous applause, Sir Keir said: "We will show that we've changed the Labour Party, returned it to service, and that is how we will govern.
"With respect and humility, I invite you all to join this government of service in the mission of national renewal.
"Country first, party second. Our work is urgent and we begin it today."
Britain's new PM added: "For too long now, we've turned a blind eye.
"As millions slid into greater insecurity, nurses, builders, drivers, carers, people doing the right thing, working harder every day, recognized at moments like this before.
"Yet, as soon as the cameras stopped rolling, their lives are ignored.
"I want to say very clearly to those people: Not this time."
Sir Keir said his work is "urgent" and vowed "to begin it today".
The incoming PM must mull over which Labour MPs to include in his Cabinet.
It came as Rishi Sunak made an emotional statement from Downing Street, where he thanked his "beautiful daughters" for the sacrifices they made while he governed the country.
Tune into our election results special on The Sun's YouTube Channel
The ex-PM will stay on as leader of the opposition until "the formal arrangements for selecting my successor are in place".
With a glimmer in his eye, Mr Sunak said: "I would like to say first and foremost, I am sorry.
"I have given this job my all.
"But you have sent a clear signal that the government of the United Kingdom must change.
"And yours is the only judgement that matters."
"I have heard your anger, your disappointment, and I take responsibility for this loss."
The ex-PM hailed "just how unremarkable it is that two generations after my grandparents came here with little I could become prime minister".
He described the beauty in being able to watch his young daughters "light Divali candles on the steps in Downing Street."
Turning to his successor, Mr Sunak said: "Whilst he has been my political opponent, Sir Keir Starmer will shortly become our prime minister.
"In this job, his successes will be all our successes, and I wish him and his family well.
"Whatever our disagreements in this campaign, he is a decent, public spirited man who I respect."
Mr Sunak then travelled to Buckingham Palace, where the King formally accepted his resignation.
Follow our live blog below for the latest news and updates...
When was Labour last in power?
The last Labour prime minister was Gordon Brown back in 2010.
Brown took over from Tony Blair following his resignation in 2007, becoming the sixth post-war prime minister to take office without having won a General Election at the time.
Blair was voted into Number 10 over the Conservative’s John Major in 1997 and served as PM for ten years.The “soft left” politician led the party under the phrase “New Labour,” distancing himself from previous politics and adopting a newer style of Labour of government.
Blair resigned following mounting pressure from inside the Labour party and other factors, like the Iraq war in 2007.
Sir Keir reacts to disaster debate showing by Biden
Sir Kier Starmer has reacted to Thursday night’s US Presidential debate, in which Joe Biden appeared to freeze up on several occasions.
“I have to say I’ve got enough on my hands with my own election campaign to go too far into that,” Sir Keir said.
“In the end, the person who is president of the US will be determined by the American people in due course and if we’re elected into government to serve, we will deal with whoever is the president
” The relationship between the UK and the US is strong, it’s historic and obviously it’s above the individuals who are in office.”
Asked if worried about Biden, Starmer said: “Well, look, I don’t think me commentating on the American election is helpful. We’ve got our own election going on here. And in the end it’s not for me, it’s for the American people to decide and they will decide and we’ll deal with whoever they elect in as their president.”
Archbishop of Canterbury urges Brits to avoid ‘personal abuse’ as election nears
The Archbishop of Canterbury has called on voters to avoid “personal abuse” as we near polling day
Justin Welby said: "In these last few days before the election, let us pray for all candidates taking part in this most essential act of democracy.
“Let us encourage courteous and kind debate and not use personalised abuse. Let us carefully consider issues and the common good, and above all vote.”
Is Polling Day a public holiday?
Afraid not.
Polls open at 7am and close at 10pm on July 4, so there’s still plenty of time to vote if you have to work.
If unable to make it to the polling station on Polling Day, you can apply for a postal vote or task someone with voting for you by proxy.
Nigel Farage told to ‘get a grip’ of Reform UK amid racism row
Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey has told Nigel Farage to “get a grip” of Reform UK amid allegations of racism.
This comes after a Reform activist was captured using racial slurs in an undercover report by Channel 4.
Mr Healey told Sky News: “To some extent, I see him fuelling a row over this Channel 4 film to distract, really, from the fact that there are officials and there are candidates right at the heart of the Reform party, that have been responsible for racist, anti-gay, and other deeply offensive statements.
“And it’s for Farage to take action on them. And in the end, the culture and the standards of any political party are set by the leader and Nigel Farage wants to be seen as a leader.
“He needs to get a grip of his own party and he’s failing to do that at the moment.”
When is polling day?
Rishi Sunak called the General Election for Thursday, July 4, 2024.
Speaking from Downing St, Mr Sunak said: “The last five years have been the most challenging times since the Second World War.
“Now is the moment to choose to decide whether we want to build on the progress we have made, or risk going back to square one with no plan and no certainty.”
Keir Starmer pledges probe into military housing
Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to launch a probe into the lacklustre housing many members of the armed forces face.
Speaking on Friday, he said: “Labour is deeply proud of our Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families for the contribution they make to our country.
“Theirs is the ultimate public service and their professionalism and bravery is rightly respected across the world.”
Greens slam Reform UK amid clip of activist using racial slur
The Green Party has hit out at Reform UK after a clip emerged of an activist seemingly hurling racial slurs at the PM.
Green Co-Leader Carla Denyer said: “Farage’s Reform Party’s mask has not just slipped, it’s been well and truly trampled into the ground. Farage’s attempts to re-write history by distancing himself from these remarks just don’t wash.
“Just a few months ago he was accused by the Muslim Council of Britain for ‘horribly Islamophobic, racist and hate-filled rhetoric of misinformation’ and he stands surprised when the culture he has created allows supporters to spew Islamophobic hate.
“His racist, Islamophobic and homophobic chickens have come home to roost. Farage needs to take a long hard look at himself and ask how he has enabled this culture to take hold.”
Channel 4 denies claims Reform activist was a ‘paid actor’
Channel 4 has dismissed claims a Reform activist featured using racial slurs in an undercover report was a “paid actor.”
A spokesperson said in a statement: “We strongly stand by our rigorous and duly impartial journalism which speaks for itself.
“We met Mr Parker for the first time at Reform UK party headquarters, where he was a Reform party canvasser.
“We did not pay the Reform UK canvasser or anyone else in this report. Mr Parker was not known to Channel 4 News and was filmed covertly via the undercover operation.”
Rishi Sunak: My daughters have to hear people call me a p***… Farage has questions to answer
Rishi Sunak has said hearing a Reform activist use racist slurs against him “hurts and makes him angry” – warning Nigel Farage has “questions to answer”.
The PM spoke of the pain he felt knowing his two daughters heard the racist call him an “effing p***.”
The Tory leader said: “My two daughters have to see and hear Reform people who campaign for Nigel Farage calling me an effing p***.
“It hurts and it makes me angry, and I think he has some questions to answer. I don’t repeat those words lightly.
“I do so deliberately, because this is too important not to call out clearly for what it is.”
Mr Sunak has spoken during the campaign at his pride of leading the UK after his grandparents came from India with very little.
He added: “When you see Reform candidates and campaigners seemingly using racist and misogynistic language and opinion, seemingly without challenge, I think it tells you something about the culture in the Reform party.”
Keir Starmer confirms he will step down if Labour loses the election ‘badly’
Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed he will step down as Labour leader if his party loses next week’s election badly.
Speaking to the BBC, Starmer confirmed the plan but failed to define what “badly” actually means.
With Labour more than 20 points ahead in the polls, a “bad” loss seems unlikely at this stage.
How often are General Elections in the UK?
A full parliamentary term in the UK can last up to five years, with General Elections held on the first Thursday of May.
Now that the Fixed-Term Parliament Act 2011 is gone, prime ministers can call an election whenever they wish.
This tends to be every four or five years, when it is most beneficial to them and their party.
Leaders in a strong position typically go to the people earlier, with those fearing a loss while waiting out the full duration of their term.
Parties in a weaker position are more likely to wait until the term is up or resolve issues without a General Election.
Votes of confidence can be taken to vote out a leader who is not providing what the party needs — this can be done to a sitting PM as well as the leader of the opposition.
If a sitting PM is ousted from their party, a leadership contest takes place rather than a General Election.
Labour’s Bridget Phillipson ‘doesn’t like’ David Tennent’s language in Kemi Badenoch row
Labour’s shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson has hit out at David Tennent after he told Kemi Badenoch to “shut up.”
She told Times Radio: “I personally don’t like that kind of language that was used.
“And I believe that where we discus these issues – and it is right that we can have an open discussion about them – that we do so in a way that is absolutely frank but respectful, tolerant, and in keeping with the best traditions within our country.
“And I know that politicians, particularly female politicians, receive an awful lot of abuse sometimes and do frequently face that kind of language being used against them and I don’t think it advances a more tolerant and respectful discussion.”Can I change my vote at the polling station?
Yes, you can change your vote at the polling station but you need to request another form.
If you used a pencil you can erase your mistake using a rubber.
However, not all polling stations provide rubbers, so be sure to bring your own.
Can you bring your own pencil to the polling station?
You can bring your own pen or pencil to the polling station to use.
There is no "legal requirement" to use a pencil but that's what is usually provided in the booths.
However, some people may opt to cast their choice via a postal vote instead of heading to the polling stations.
You can apply for a postal vote if you're away from home or if you're abroad and want to vote in England, Scotland or Wales.
Pencils are supplied at the polling station - often attached to a string in each booth so they don't get lost. But there is nothing to stop voters from bringing their own.
The important thing is to clearly mark your voting intention on the paper.
Why do you have to use a pencil in voting booths?
It is a tradition in the UK for voters to mark ballot papers with lead pencils, which are supplied in polling booths.
This is the same in local elections, general elections and referendums.
Pencils are preferred for both historical and practical reasons.
Ink can smudge, dry out or spill over the paper, which could invalidate a person's vote.
When the paper is folded over, pen ink might transfer into another box, making it look like the voter has voted more than once or for someone they didn't intend to.
Some people have questioned whether pencils make fraud more likely. In theory, a voter's X could be rubbed out and replaced with a vote for another candidate.
At the EU referendum, police were called to a polling station after a voter lent another their pen amid rumours of a conspiracy to erase pencil marks.
What is a snap election?
A snap election is one that is called earlier than expected - or when not required.
The "snap" element can be used as a tactic to exploit the opposition's weakness, or for a party to boost their majority in parliament.
An example of this is when the then-Prime Minister Theresa May called a shock snap election in 2017.
However her gamble to try to strengthen the Tories' hold on Parliament backfired when her majority was slashed by 13 seats.
It put the Conservatives below the 326 seats needed to form a government — leading her to get the support of Northern Ireland's DUP in a £1 billion supply-and-demand deal to keep them in power.
Previously, elections could be called by the Prime Minister going to the Head Of State at any point within five years of the last one.
But this changed after the Fixed Term Parliament Act was passed in 2011 the five-year gap was enshrined in law.
Grant Shapps set to run for Tory leadership again if he keeps his seat
Grant Shapps is gearing up to run for the Tory leadership again — if he keeps his seat.
Allies of the Defence Secretary claimed he would consider it if Rishi Sunak falls on his sword after the election.
A source said: “He could be the most experienced Cabinet minister surviving and has held some of the most senior positions in government.
“He will throw his hat in the ring if he keeps his seat.”
But asked directly, Mr Shapps said he is focussed on " winning in Welwyn Hatfield".
Brits are worried about a Labour super-majority - poll
Brits are worried about a Labour super-majority, an exclusive poll for The Sun on Sunday reveals.
Voters fear effective opposition to Sir Keir Starmer will be wiped out if predictions of a Tory bloodbath come true.
Pollsters at the More In Common think-tank asked voters if they would rather see Tories lose more seats and a weaker Opposition, or vice-versa.
Some 43 per cent would rather see a smaller Labour majority, 28 backed a bigger one.
Among 2019 Tory voters, the difference is more stark. Some 68 per cent fear a super-majority and just 14 per cent do not.
Even Tory to Labour switchers do not want a Sir Keir blank cheque. Some 56 per cent would not want an anti-Tory landslide if it meant less effective Opposition.
Reform UK launches official Channel 4 complaint for ‘electoral interference’ over ‘racist slur’
Nigel Farage's Reform UK has launched an official complaint against Channel 4 over "electoral interference".
The broadcaster aired footage showing a party volunteer calling Rishi Sunak an “effing p***” and suggesting migrants be shot by soldiers as they arrive on UK beaches.
Reform volunteer Andrew Parker, who claimed he knew Farage, was recorded in Clacton by an undercover reporter. Farage claimed Andrew was an "actor" who lists "secret filming" among his skills online.
Now Adam Richardson, the Reform secretary and a barrister, has made a formal complaint to Essex Police on Farage's behalf, according to The Telegraph.
In his letter he wrote "it is entirely evident that Mr Parker was a plant within the Channel 4 News piece".
A spokesman for Channel 4 News said: “We strongly stand by our rigorous and duly impartial journalism, which speaks for itself."
Darren Jones: Labour would inherit a 'broken Britain'
Shadow Treasury minister Darren Jones thinks the Labour Party will be tasked with fixing a "broken Britain" should they win the election next Thursday.
“The inheritance will be difficult,” he told Sky News.
“The Conservatives have broken Britain. It will take time to turn things around.
“I think people are fed up with Britain not working.”
Biden is ‘totally unfit for office,’ blasts Farage
Nigel Farage has branded Joe Biden "totally unfit for office" after the President appeared to freeze up in Thursday night's debate.
The Reform leader, and Trump ally, told The Sun that the performance was "worse than anything" he'd seen.
Biden's performance has even caused panic within the Democratic Party's top brass.
David Plouffe, a Democratic strategist and former Obama campaign official, called the debate “kind of a Defcon 1 moment.”
Vice President Kamala Harris admitted after the debate that her boss had "a slow start," but insisted there was "a strong finish."
Everything you need before polling day
- be registered to vote
- be 18 or over on the day of the election (“polling day”)
- be a British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen
- be resident at an address in the UK (or a British citizen living abroad who has been registered to vote in the UK in the last 15 years)
- not be legally excluded from voting
Rishi slams Labour's military spending plans
Rishi Sunak slammed Labour's military spending plans as he hailed the nation's armed forces.
The PM said: “The women and men who serve in our Armed Forces represent the very best of Britain.
"In an increasingly dangerous world, our servicemen and women play an ever more critical role in keeping us safe . . . we are firmly on their side.
“Sir Keir Starmer on the other hand can’t match our veterans’ pledges, protect old veterans from being hauled before juries nor back our defence spending increases.”
Rishi slams Labour's military spending plans
Rishi Sunak slammed Labour's military spending plans as he hailed the nation's armed forces.
The PM said: “The women and men who serve in our Armed Forces represent the very best of Britain.
"In an increasingly dangerous world, our servicemen and women play an ever more critical role in keeping us safe . . . we are firmly on their side.
“Sir Keir Starmer on the other hand can’t match our veterans’ pledges, protect old veterans from being hauled before juries nor back our defence spending increases.”