Keir Starmer has been officially appointed as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
He was invited on Friday to form a government by King Charles at Buckingham Palace, following the Labour Party’s landslide victory in the general election.
Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, won a decisive majority in the election, securing 410 seats out of 650. His appointment marks a significant shift in British politics, ending 14 years of Conservative rule.
In his first speech as Prime Minister, Starmer thanked outgoing PM Rishi Sunak for his dedication and hard work, acknowledging the historic significance of Sunak’s appointment as the first British Asian PM.
Starmer emphasized the need for change and national renewal in the wake of the weariness and lack of trust in politics.
“When the gap between the sacrifices made by people and the service they receive from politicians grows this big, it leads to a weariness in the heart of a nation.
“A draining away of the hope, the spirit, the belief in a better future. That we need to move forward together.
“Now this wound, this lack of trust, can only be healed by actions, not words, I know that. But we can make a start today with the simple acknowledgement that public service is a privilege and that your government should treat every single person in this country with respect,” he said.
He pledged to restore public service, respect, and hope, emphasizing that his government will serve all citizens, regardless of their vote.
“If you voted Labour yesterday, we will carry the responsibility of your trust as we rebuild our country.
“But whether you voted Labour or not, in fact, especially if you did not, I say to you directly, my government will serve you.
“Politics can be a force for good. We will show that. We’ve changed the Labour Party, returned it to service, and that is how we will govern. Country first, party second,” Starmer further affirmed.
He committed to rebuilding Britain with wealth creation, NHS improvement, secure borders, safer streets, and opportunities for all.
“This will take a while, but I have no doubt that the work of change begins immediately.
“Have no doubt that we will rebuild Britain with wealth created in every community, our NHS back on its feet facing the future, secure borders, safer streets, everyone treated with dignity and respect at work, the opportunity of clean British power cutting your energy bills for good.
“And brick by brick, we will rebuild the infrastructure of opportunity, the world-class schools and colleges, the affordable homes that I know are the ingredients of hope for working people, the security that working-class families like mine can build their lives around.
“Because if I asked you now whether you believe that Britain will be better for your children, I know too many of you would say no. And so my government will fight every day until you believe again,” Starmer added.
The new Prime Minister is expected to announce his cabinet soon, with senior Labour figures likely to take key roles.