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...
How could a Labour government affect house prices?
With Labour looking set to storm into Downing Street tomorrow, many will be wondering how their policies will affect Brits' everyday lives.
So what does a Labour government mean for house prices now and down the line?
We took a look at the policies and the numbers in our piece below...
When will we know who won?
The polls close at 10pm tonight, shortly after results will start trickling in.
The final results for all 650 seats will arrive by the early hours of Friday morning.
Here are some key times you should know for the evening ahead:
- 10pm: Polls will close and counting begins.
- 10pm: Broadcasters will publish their exit polls, giving us an idea of the election result.
- 11.30pm-12am: First seats will be declared.
- 4am-5am: The last seats will be declared and we should know who will form the next government.
Piers Morgan shares his election verdict LIVE on The Sun’s Never Mind the Ballots election night special
Piers Morgan will join the Sun’s Political Editor Harry Cole LIVE on Never Mind The Ballots to give his verdict on the General Election.
The show will host the Piers Morgan Uncensored host and a panel of experts at 10.15pm tonight for a snap reaction to the first indication of the election results.
Legendary Sun columnist Piers, who has interviewed Rishi Sunak twice, will give his candid takes on the most important election in a generation.
Top tips for an election all-nighter
Politics enthusiasts all across the country are gearing up for a long night of twists, turns and results tonight.
But pulling an all-nighter can be tough, no matter how exciting a General Election is.
So here are some tips on how to pull off an election all-nighter:
- Begin the evening well-rested - try and get some sleep during the day.
- Embrace naps! There is nothing wrong with taking one or two short naps throughout the night.
- Caffeine!!!
- Keep all your lights on.
- Stay hydrated.
Where can you vote?
If you are registered to vote, you should head to your local polling station.
The polling station's address can be found on your polling card.
You can also head over to the Electoral Commission's website and enter your postcode.
Just remember to bring a valid form of ID!
Credit: Alamy Live News Where can you vote?
If you are registered to vote, you should head to your local polling station.
The polling station's address can be found on your polling card.
You can also head over to the Electoral Commission's website and enter your postcode.
Just remember to bring a valid form of ID!
Credit: Alamy Live News Nigel Farage joins in on election day tradition
It wouldn't be an election day without puppy pics at the polls.
And Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has been joining in on the tradition.
The Brexiteer beamed as he posed with a puppy at a Clacton polling station.
Nigel Farage joins in on election day tradition
It wouldn't be an election day without puppy pics at the polls.
And Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has been joining in on the tradition.
The Brexiteer beamed as he posed with a puppy at a Clacton polling station.
What is an exit poll?
An exit poll is a survey of people leaving a polling station, asking how they have voted.
Tonight, at around 10pm, the exit poll will be released, giving us an indication of how the election has played out.
Unlike other surveys, which ask people how they intend to vote, exit polls are not affected by people who change their minds on the day itself.
Thousands of people are surveyed outside polling stations, and the data they provide is then blown up to predict the number of seats each political party will win.
Latest poll shows Reform on course for 13 seats
Millions of Brits are casting their votes - as the final poll shows Labour's lead falling with Reform set to win 13 MPs.
Britain's political parties are making one last pitch to earn the public's support in a generation-defining general election.
A new IPSOS poll predicts Labour will storm into Downing Street with a huge majority but just 37% of the vote.
This poll sees Reform UK win a staggering 13 seats.
Latest poll shows Reform on course for 13 seats
Millions of Brits are casting their votes - as the final poll shows Labour's lead falling with Reform set to win 13 MPs.
Britain's political parties are making one last pitch to earn the public's support in a generation-defining general election.
A new IPSOS poll predicts Labour will storm into Downing Street with a huge majority but just 37% of the vote.
This poll sees Reform UK win a staggering 13 seats.
Major pub chain giving away free pints TODAY
A Major pub chain will be giving away free pints at over 70 bars today.
Brits have been offered a complimentary drink ahead of the UK's General Election on July 4.
You can toast your electoral freedom with a free pint at Brewdog after heading down to the polling station.
In pictures: Dogs at polling stations
Photographers have been snapping some very patient pooches waiting outside polling stations as their owners cast their votes this afternoon.
Credit: Alamy 
Credit: Alamy 
Credit: Rex Jeremy Hunt makes his final pitch to voters
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt made one last pitch to voters this afternoon as he headed to the polls in Godalming and Ash.
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Hunt said: “[I’m] your strong local voice for Godalming Ash... After six weeks of campaigning, that big moment has arrived.”
He pledged to be the area's "strong local voice."
Count Binface makes his pitch
It's "Bindependence Day" according to independent candidate Count Binface.
He took to Twitter to write: “Bindependence day - time to take out the trash."
He added: “July the Fourth Be With You.”
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.
Don’t forget your photo ID
It’s crucial you don’t forget to bring a form of photo ID when heading to vote.
Even if it is out of date, make sure you still bring it or you will be turned away.
Polling stations opened at 7am, as the country decides after a long and hard-fought election campaign.
Don’t forget your photo ID
It’s crucial you don’t forget to bring a form of photo ID when heading to vote.
Even if it is out of date, make sure you still bring it or you will be turned away.
Polling stations opened at 7am, as the country decides after a long and hard-fought election campaign.
What has Labour promised on childcare?
As part of its manifesto, the party promised:
- Spare school classrooms will be converted into spaces for nurseries, paid for by ending the tax breaks on private schools
- Three thousand new nursery classes across England to open up access to childcare hours for families
- To support three quarters of a million more parents to re-enter the labour market
- To provide free breakfast clubs in every primary school in England, paid for by ending tax loopholes and clamping down on tax evasion
- Breakfast clubs to drive up attendance and standards and improve behaviour and attainment
Horses spotted at polling stations as Brits head to the polls
We've had plenty of dogs arrive at polling booths today but have you spotted any horses?
What is an exit poll?
An exit poll is a survey of people leaving a polling station, asking how they have voted.
Tonight, at around 10pm, the exit poll will be released, giving us an indication of how the election has played out.
Unlike other surveys, which ask people how they intend to vote, exit polls are not affected by people who change their minds on the day itself.
Thousands of people are surveyed outside polling stations, and the data they provide is then blown up to predict the number of seats each political party will win.
Piers Morgan shares his election verdict LIVE on The Sun’s Never Mind the Ballots election night special
Piers Morgan will join the Sun’s Political Editor Harry Cole LIVE on Never Mind The Ballots to give his verdict on the General Election.
The show will host the Piers Morgan Uncensored host and a panel of experts at 10.15pm tonight for a snap reaction to the first indication of the election results.
Legendary Sun columnist Piers, who has interviewed Rishi Sunak twice, will give his candid takes on the most important election in a generation.
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 own 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.
Could Rishi lose his seat?
At any other election, Rishi Sunak would assume that his seat was safe – but the polls have tightened in this corner of true blue North Yorkshire.
His Labour opponent, Tom Wilson, genuinely believes he has a chance at ousting the sitting Prime Minister, something which has never happened before.
And the PM has made seven trips to his constituency so far in this campaign with leaflets promoting the man who lives in No.10 as a “community champion”.
Only one poll has been brave enough to claim Rishi faces the axe, and crucially it would take a 23-point swing to oust him.
Could Rishi lose his seat?
At any other election, Rishi Sunak would assume that his seat was safe – but the polls have tightened in this corner of true blue North Yorkshire.
His Labour opponent, Tom Wilson, genuinely believes he has a chance at ousting the sitting Prime Minister, something which has never happened before.
And the PM has made seven trips to his constituency so far in this campaign with leaflets promoting the man who lives in No.10 as a “community champion”.
Only one poll has been brave enough to claim Rishi faces the axe, and crucially it would take a 23-point swing to oust him.