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...
PM brands Reform comments ‘racist and appalling’
Rishi Sunak has branded comments made by Reform UK activists “appalling and racist” as he hit out at Nigel Farage.
This comes after a Reform canvasser was filmed using racial slurs about immigrants and the PM.
“I think he described the comments as inappropriate last time I heard – they weren’t inappropriate, they were racist and appalling,” he said.
The PM added that “multiple Reform candidates and campaigners” had been exposed for “openly espousing racist and misogynistic views.”
Mr Sunak noted this shows “something about the culture” within the party.
Nigel Farage claims Channel 4 doc was a ‘set up’
Nigel Farage told ITV’s Loose Women that a video showing Reform activists using racist and homophobic language was a “set-up.”
Andrew Parker, who works part-time as an actor, was captured by Channel 4 suggesting migrants should be “shot.”
Farage said: “I have to tell you, this whole thing was a complete and total set-up, I have no doubt about that.
“It was an act right from the very start.”
Asked whether he thought Parker had been paid, he said: “I don’t know whether he was paid or not.
“I’m saying it’s possible, I don’t know. Something is wrong here.”
Keir Starmer vows to work with France if Le Pen’s party triumphs
Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to work with France even if the far-right National Rally party enters Government.
Speaking in Birmingham today, Sir Keir said: “I will work with any government in Europe and across the world if we are elected in to serve the country.
“For me, that’s what serious government is about.”
Keir Starmer dismisses questions on meeting Putin if elected
Sir Keir Starmer has dismissed questions on whether he would meet with Vladimir Putin if he were to become prime minister.
Asked whether he would take meetings with the Russian president if elected, Sir Keir told reporters in Buckingham and Bletchley: “At the moment that is simply not an issue.
“He is the aggressor in Ukraine, and the most important thing is to be absolutely clear that our support for Ukraine is on a united front in this country.”
Rishi Sunak attacks Keir Starmer over Ukraine defence plans
Rishi Sunak has claimed multi-year support to Ukraine would be put at risk under a Labour government.
Told there has been a lot of consensus between the Tories and Labour over Ukraine, Mr Sunak replied to broadcasters: “You have to back up words with actions, that’s what we are doing, we’re investing more in defence.
“You have to have strength to signal to your adversaries that we’re not going anywhere, that’s why under the Conservatives we’re increasing defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP.
“If Keir Starmer is in charge those plans are going to be cut. That’s going to send a signal of weakness to our adversaries and to our allies and crucially will mean that we won’t have the funding to continue providing multi-year support to Ukraine.”
‘We need to learn lessons from rise of far-right in France’, says Starmer
Labour and European parties need to address the everyday concerns of disaffected voters and show that only progressives have the answers, Sir Keir Starmer has said.
Sir Keir was asked after a stump speech at Hitchin Town Football Club what lessons he drew from the strong showing for the French far-right National Rally party in the first round of election voting.
“The lesson that I take from nationalism or populism wherever it is across Europe – obviously we’re seeing the results emerging from France – but we also see the situation in other countries across Europe and across the world.”
‘I hear your frustration’, Rishi Sunak tells voters
Speaking at a campaign event in Stoke, Staffordshire, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “It’s a big week, I’m going to cut straight to it. I know many of you who supported us in the past have some hesitations about doing that again.
“I know you’re frustrated with me, frustrated with our party, it hasn’t been an easy few years for anybody, I get all of that, we haven’t got everything right, we’ve made mistakes. I appreciate and hear your frustration.
“But when you go to the polls on Thursday you have to remember this is not a by-election. This is a choice about who governs our country for years and I would urge you not to sleepwalk into that.”
Starmer will ‘gerrymander the system’, says Cleverly
In his round of media interviews this morning, James Cleverly, the Home Secretary, has claimed Keir Starmer would want to establish “a permanent Labour government” if he won.
Cleverly told the BBC: “The reason that this is so important is because Labour have already said they are going to gerrymander the system, they have said they’re going to pack out the House of Lords, they’ve said they’re going to get votes at 16, they’re going to get votes for foreign nationals, they’re probably going to get votes for criminals.”
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.
Nigel Farage: The Tories only have themselves to blame
Addressing over 4,000 people, Nigel Farage accused the Conservatives of "betraying" the British people.
In the biggest event of any party during this election campaign so far, Farage slammed both Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer.
“The Conservatives have not delivered Brexit”, he told The Sun.
“Five point five million men and women out there running small businesses feel totally betrayed.
“Millions of us who’ve wanted lower immigration numbers have seen 2.5million people go from the last two years. You know the Tories have betrayed Brexit.”
Reform has 'more diversity than any other party', Richard Tice claims
Reform UK is the most diverse political party in the country, Chairman Richard Tice claims.
Speaking to Andrew Marr, Tice was questioned over the problematic views held by members of his party.
Tice said: “I do not accept that there is a toxic element around the party.”
He added there is “huge diversity within our party.
“Our deputy leader is from an ethnic minority and our other joint deputy leader is gay, so in terms of the leadership we have more diversity than any other party and we are very proud of that.”
How to watch The Sun’s TWO live election specials of Never Mind the Ballots
The Sun is bringing you not one but TWO live election specials this week.
Our Political Editor Harry Cole will host a star-studded panel of experts at 10.15pm on Thursday for a snap reaction to the all-important exit poll.
And then we’ll be back at 8am Friday to chew over the full results and fallout from the race for No10.
Conservatives mock Keir Starmer for claiming he will 'finish work at 6pm'
The Conservative Party has mocked Keir Starmer after the Labour leader said he rarely works past 6pm on Fridays to protect family time.
Writing on X, the Tories said: "Keir Starmer has said he'd clock off work at 6pm if he became Prime Minister.
"You deserve better than a part-time Prime Minister. The only way to prevent this is to vote Conservative on Thursday."
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
Former PM out canvassing as election draws near
Theresa May is out and about supporting the Tory election effort this week...
PM brands Reform comments 'racist and appalling'
Rishi Sunak has branded comments made by Reform UK activists "appalling and racist" as he hit out at Nigel Farage.
This comes after a Reform canvasser was filmed using racial slurs about immigrants and the PM.
"I think he described the comments as inappropriate last time I heard - they weren't inappropriate, they were racist and appalling," he said.
The PM added that "multiple Reform candidates and campaigners" had been exposed for "openly espousing racist and misogynistic views."
Mr Sunak noted this shows "something about the culture" within the party.
Keir Starmer vows to work with France if Le Pen's party triumphs
Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to work with France even if the far-right National Rally party enters Government.
Speaking in Birmingham today, Sir Keir said: "I will work with any government in Europe and across the world if we are elected in to serve the country.
"For me, that's what serious government is about."
Nigel Farage claims Channel 4 doc was a ‘set up’
Nigel Farage told ITV’s Loose Women that a video showing Reform activists using racist and homophobic language was a “set-up.”
Andrew Parker, who works part-time as an actor, was captured by Channel 4 suggesting migrants should be “shot.”
Farage said: “I have to tell you, this whole thing was a complete and total set-up, I have no doubt about that.
“It was an act right from the very start.”
Asked whether he thought Parker had been paid, he said: “I don’t know whether he was paid or not.
“I’m saying it’s possible, I don’t know. Something is wrong here.”
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”.
Keir Starmer dismisses questions on meeting Putin if elected
Sir Keir Starmer has dismissed questions on whether he would meet with Vladimir Putin if he were to become prime minister.
Asked whether he would take meetings with the Russian president if elected, Sir Keir told reporters in Buckingham and Bletchley today: "At the moment that is simply not an issue.
"He is the aggressor in Ukraine, and the most important thing is to be absolutely clear that our support for Ukraine is on a united front in this country."
Credit: AP 'An absolute power bent on smashing our democracy'
A pro-Reform revolt will bring even higher taxes, increased immigration, more costly 'green crap', never-ending gender wars and woke rubbish, writes Trevor Kavanagh.
In his latest column for The Sun, he says Britain is "about to hand absolute power to a hard-left socialist party bent on smashing our Westminster system of democracy — and seizing control for a generation".
You can read Trevor's full column in the link below.
Lib Dem leader on political manoeuvres ...
Ed Davey took part in a Zumba class during a Liberal Democrats election campaign event in Wokingham today. It follows on from his bungee jump while campaigning in Eastbourne this morning.
Credit: Reuters Leading business publications back Labour
Two influential business publications, the Financial Times newspaper and The Economist magazine, have declared support for Labour before Thursday's UK election, joining The Sunday Times.
The news marks the latest blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, whose governing right-wing Conservatives have trailed Keir Starmer's Labour throughout the general election campaign.
"The Conservatives have run out of road. Labour must be given a chance to govern," said a Financial Times editorial on Monday with the Tories heading for a defeat that would end Sunak's spell as PM after less than two years.
Rishi Sunak attacks Keir Starmer over Ukraine defence plans
Rishi Sunak has claimed multi-year support to Ukraine would be put at risk under a Labour government.
Told there has been a lot of consensus between the Tories and Labour over Ukraine, Mr Sunak replied to broadcasters: "You have to back up words with actions, that's what we are doing, we're investing more in defence.
"You have to have strength to signal to your adversaries that we're not going anywhere, that's why under the Conservatives we're increasing defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP.
"If Keir Starmer is in charge those plans are going to be cut. That's going to send a signal of weakness to our adversaries and to our allies and crucially will mean that we won't have the funding to continue providing multi-year support to Ukraine."
They think it's all over ...
Rishi Sunak appeared to make a cheeky jibe at Labour and the polls with this post on X, formerly Twitter, following England's last-minute win over Slovakia in Germany last night. Meanwhile, James Cleverly, the Home Secretary, attacked Banksy's Glastonbury boat stunt on the media round this morning (see post at 09.04).