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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...
All the latest from 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
How did Keir and Victoria Starmer meet?
Keir and Victoria Starmer met during their work as solicitors.
In an interview with Piers Morgan he said:"I was doing a case in court and it all depended on whether the documents were accurate.
"I [asked my colleagues] who actually drew up these documents, they said a woman called Victoria, so I said let's get her on the line."
Victoria hung up on him during the call and was heard mumbling: "Who the f*** does he think he is?"
He then asked her out on a date to a pub in Camden.
And a few years later in 2007, the pair married.
Who is Keir Starmer's wife Victoria?
Victoria Starmer, also known as Lady Victoria Starmer, is a former solicitor turned NHS occupational health worker and the wife of British politician Keir Starmer.
Despite her husband's prominent political career, she plans to continue her work with the NHS, if he should become Prime Minister.
A commitment Keir Starmer has confirmed, stating, "She wants to and she loves it."
The pair both reportedly met in the early 2000s, before they later tied the knot in 2007.
She made her first appearance as the then-new Labour leader’s wife when the pair were filmed clapping for the NHS in 2020, outside their Camden home in North London.
Ed Davey says he is 'humbled'
Sir Ed Davey weighs in. His party are set to scoop 63 seats.
He said: “The Liberal Democrats are on course for our best results in a century, thanks to our positive campaign with health and care at its heart.
“I am humbled by the millions of people who backed the Liberal Democrats to both kick the Conservatives out of power and deliver the change our country needs.
“Every Liberal Democrat MP will be a strong local champion for their community standing up for the NHS and care. Whether you voted for us or not, we will work day in and day out and we will not let you down.”
Ed Davey says he is 'humbled'
Sir Ed Davey weighs in. His party are set to scoop 61 seats.
He said: “The Liberal Democrats are on course for our best results in a century, thanks to our positive campaign with health and care at its heart.
“I am humbled by the millions of people who backed the Liberal Democrats to both kick the Conservatives out of power and deliver the change our country needs.
“Every Liberal Democrat MP will be a strong local champion for their community standing up for the NHS and care. Whether you voted for us or not, we will work day in and day out and we will not let you down.”
Labour out the blocks...
Pat McFadden, Labour campaign chief, says tonight: “Keir Starmer’s transformation of the Labour Party has been remarkable.
"He has put country before party and has transformed Labour from a party focused on itself to one back in the service of the British public.
"We have campaigned as a changed Labour Party, ready to change Britain.
“It’s going to be a long night, and it will be several hours until we know the full picture of results.
"Labour will need a swing bigger than Tony Blair achieved in 1997 to achieve a majority of just one seat.
“It is remarkable that Labour was in a competitive position in this election given what happened in 2019.
"Whatever has been claimed throughout the campaign, the Labour Party has assumed nothing about the result and has worked tirelessly to bring our message of change to people across the country.
“Britain’s future was on the ballot at this election. And, if we are successful tonight, Labour will get to work immediately with our first steps for change.”
Piers: 'Social earthquake for Britain'
Piers Morgan is live with Harry Cole on Never Mind The Ballots, which you can watch live here.
He says the result is "a social earthquake for this country & a disaster for the Tories."
Our columnist continues:
He said: "I think first of all you have to say Congratulations to Keir Starmer, who has taken the party from being completely unelectable under Jeremy Corbyn to being a party with this gigantic majority.
"Of course there's now huge pressure on him to deliver on the faith that the elctorate has shown him.
"A disaster for the Conservative Party which cannot be understated. Whichever way you look at this, it's a seismic night."EXIT POLL: LABOUR MAJORITY 170
The exit poll predicts a Labour majority of 170
Sir Keir Starmer is to be the next Prime Minister.
Tune in to our live Never Mind The Ballots special in 15 minutes’ time for all the live reaction with Political Editor Harry Cole and The Sun on Sunday’s Kate Ferguson.
Here we go
Eyes down - we are about to get the all-important exit poll result.
Follow this page to get the result as soon as it drops.
How the exit poll works...
We're within 10 minutes of getting a starting indication of how this election has gone.
But how does the exit poll get it so right?
Exit poll surveys take place at around 133 polling stations across the country and those voting are asked to fill out a replica polling card after they have cast their real vote.
Tens of thousands of people are asked to fill out another polling card so these can be looked at before all votes have been counted.
This gives an indication as to how some people have voted, so may give an early indication as to which party is in the lead.
Fieldworkers from Ipsos Mori descend on the chosen polling stations to count up who could win.
45 minutes to go
Tick, tock, tick, tock...
Three-quarters of an hour to go.
And just an hour until Piers Morgan joins Harry Cole on our special edition of Never Mind The Ballots LIVE - which you can watch right here.
Expect fiery takes and star-studded guests as our Political Editor gives his gut reaction to the first indication of the results.
And where should you be watching?
Away from the hustle and bustle of the big seats, there are still some very close races to watch... and here they are.
1 - Clacton
2 - Richmond and Northallerton
3 - Bristol Central
4 - Rochdale
5 - Nuneaton
6 - Bournemouth East and Bournemouth West
7 - Ashfield
8 - Cannock Chase
9 - Birmingham Ladywood
10 - Hamilton and Clyde Valley
Read why in our full piece here...
One hour to go
You have one hour left to cast your vote in this General Election - make sure you use it!
In just 60 minutes' time, the polls will slam shut and we'll get our exit poll - the first indication as to how this vote may have gone.
So who's on the way out?
On a night of Tory routs, these are some of the big names expected to lose their seat in the House of Commons.
Here are the top 10 big ones...
1 - Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer
2 - Penny Mordaunt, Leader of the House of Commons
3 - Alex Chalk, Justice Secretary
4 - Mark Harper, Transport Secretary
5 - Johnny Mercer, Veterans Minister
6 - Jacob Rees-Mogg, former Business Secretary
7 - Gillian Keegan, Education Secretary
8 - Grant Shapps, Defence Secretary
9 - Iain Duncan Smith, Former Tory Party Leader
10 - Victoria Prentis, Attorney General
Read the full list here...
So who's on the way out?
On a night of Tory routs, these are some of the big names expected to lose their seat in the House of Commons.
Here are the top 10 big ones...
1 - Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer
2 - Penny Mordaunt, Leader of the House of Commons
3 - Alex Chalk, Justice Secretary
4 - Mark Harper, Transport Secretary
5 - Johnny Mercer, Veterans Minister
6 - Jacob Rees-Mogg, former Business Secretary
7 - Gillian Keegan, Education Secretary
8 - Grant Shapps, Defence Secretary
9 - Iain Duncan Smith, Former Tory Party Leader
10 - Victoria Prentis, Attorney General
Read the full list here...
A reminder of tonight’s timings…
Tonight will be fairly manic from start to finish, so here’s a handy guide to the key timings you’ll need.
12.15am - Tory chairman Richard Holden could be the first big beast to lose in his Basildon and Billericay seat
2am - Tory leadership fave Kemi Badenoch is expected to win her new seat of Essex North West
2.45am - Deputy PM Oliver Dowden is fighting to hang on in Hertsmere
3am - Jeremy Corbyn could lose the Islington North seat he has held for 40 years
3.30am - Penny Mordaunt’s Portsmouth North seat is facing an onslaught from Labour and could turn red
3.30am - Jeremy Hunt could become the first sitting Chancellor to be ousted as the Lib Dems eye his Godalming and Ash seat
4am- Nigel Farage will learn whether his eight shot at Parliament is successful in Clacton
4am - Rishi Sunak should win his Yorkshire seat of Richmond and Northallerton - where he might concede the election to Labour
4am - Reform chairman Richard Tice is hoping for victory in Boston and Skegness - the biggest Brexit-voting seat
4.15am - Sir Keir Starmer will comfortably win in Holborn and St Pancras and will be the first time we hear from him
5am - Former PM Liz Truss will learn if she has hung on to Norfolk South West where she is defending a 24,000 majority
The leaders cast their votes
No prizes for guessing how these two voted.
Both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer were snapped casting their ballots this morning.
Sir Keir was in Central London, for his Holborn constituency, while the PM was in Richmond, in Yorkshire.
The PM was joined by Akshata Murty as he cast his ballot in YorkshireCredit: PA Sir Keir and wife Lady Victoria cast their votesCredit: Reuters The leaders cast their votes
No prizes for guessing how these two voted.
Both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer were snapped casting their ballots this morning.
Sir Keir was in Central London, for his Holborn constituency, while the PM was in Richmond, in Yorkshire.
The PM was joined by Akshata Murty as he cast his ballot in YorkshireCredit: PA Sir Keir and wife Lady Victoria cast their votesCredit: Reuters A reminder of the last best guess
Yesterday YouGov's final poll had Labour in line for a 212-seat majority - the largest since 1832.
Here's the seat-by-seat breakdown:
Things can only get wetter
If you've had enough of polling forecasts then, well, frankly, I have too.
So here's a different kind... the weather! And whoever it is that will march into No.10 tomorrow may need to prepare a bit better than Rishi Sunak when he called the election in the pouring rain 73 years ago (... wait, it was May 22?)
In my best weather voice, I can tell you dark clouds will drift in over Downing Street - with showers throughout the late morning and early afternoon.
Anyone got an umbrella?
Are you sitting comfortably?
Good evening from Sun HQ!
We’re Thomas Godfrey and Sophia Sleigh, and we’ll be guiding you through the next 10 hours of election madness.
This is a campaign where we have been told to expect the unexpected yet the result has seemingly never been in doubt – whatever way you look at it, Labour are expected to win Keir, there and everywhere…
If you believe the polls, in 90 minutes’ time we’ll learn the size of the Labour majority Sir Keir Starmer could take to Westminster on Monday.
A reminder we’ll have a special live version of Never Mind The Ballots at 10.15pm – 15 minutes after the exit poll drops – with Harry Cole and Kate Ferguson.
So - are you sitting comfortably?
10 key seats to watch on election night
There are 650 seats up for grabs in this election – but just a select few will change how Parliament is made up for the next five years.
From Nigel Farage’s thunderbolt return in Clacton to even the PM’s own seat, the one thing we can be certain about is that there are no dead certains once every vote is in.
Below, we take a look at ten key races that could impact the final results.
How have recent elections played out?
As many of you will know, the Conservative Party has been in government for 14 years now, but each election since 2010 has had its twists and turns.
Here’s how each played out:
- 2010 – Cameron falls short – David Cameron forms a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats after falling short of a majority.
- 2015 – Cameron wins majority – Cameron turns on his Lib Dem partner Nick Clegg, winning a majority and cementing Tory power.
- 2017 – May’s error – PM Theresa May was riding high in the polls in the spring of 2017 but a string of disastrous policy announcements saw Labour’s Jeremy Corbyn close the gap and the Tories lose their majority.
- 2019 – Boris sweeps it – Despite positive signs in 2017, the 2019 election would prove to be cataclysmic for Corbyn’s Labour, Boris Johnson would sweep the nation, winning a massive majority for the Tories.
Nigel Farage enjoys an ice cream as he meets Clacton voters
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was out enjoying the Essex sunshine this afternoon as he met with voters in Clacton.
Farage took selfies with locals as he visited the pier.
We won’t be seeing Farage at the polling booth today, as the Brexiteer already cast his vote by post.