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 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...
Douglas Ross confirms he will stand down as Tory leader in Scotland
In a statement released this morning, Mr Ross said: "I am committed to fighting and winning the Aberdeenshire North and Moray East constituency.
"Should I be given the honour to represent the people and communities of this new seat, they should know being their MP would receive my complete focus and attention.
"I will therefore stand down as leader following the election on July 4, once a successor is elected.
"Should I win the seat, I will also stand down as an MSP to make way for another Scottish Conservative representative in Holyrood."
School numbers don't add up for Labour
Labour’s plan to impose VAT on private school fees was mired in confusion today as the shadow education secretary said another frontbencher was wrong to say the policy risked increasing class sizes in the state sector.
Emily Thornberry, the shadow attorney general, told the media yesterday that “if we have to, in the short term, have larger classes, we have larger classes” amid fears the policy could prompt a pupil exodus.
But Bridget Phillipson said this morning that Ms Thornberry “just wasn’t right”, and stated falling pupil numbers would require some schools to merge.
Credit: reuters Scottish Tory leader 'intends to quit after election'
Douglas Ross will shortly announce his planned resignation as leader of the Scottish Tories, according to the BBC.
It is reporting that he will carry on in the role until after the election and will also resign as an MSP if he is re-elected to Westminster.
More to follow...
Credit: GETTY
Tories maintain £2,000 tax attack on Labour with new campaign ad
The Conservative Party is maintaining its campaigning focus on a disputed claim that Labour would put up taxes by £2,000.
Rishi Sunak tweeted a campaign video earlier today which showed a giant red piggy back exploding through a residential road.
It had the caption: “If you think Labour will win, start saving. Labour will cost every working family £2,094.”
What we know so far - crucial points in Labour and Tory manifestos
Labour are pledging to create more than 3,000 nurseries based in primary schools in England, while the Conservatives are promising to recruit an extra 8,000 neighbourhood police officers over the next three years, if re-elected
Where the leaders are today ...
Rishi Sunak is campaigning in south east England, including a Neighbourhood Watch meeting in the Horsham area.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson will visit a nursery in the West Midlands as the party unveils its plans for childcare.
Credit: GETTY Lib Dems promise 'big plan' funded by 'taxing the big banks'
The Liberal Democrats would fund a £9.4 billion package for the NHS and social care in England by hiking taxes for banks and closing loopholes used by the super-rich, the party's manifesto sets out.
At the start of a week where the Tories, the Green Party and Labour are also expected to set out their election pledges, the Lib Dems will unveil plans to improve cancer care, repair hospitals and invest in public health.
The plan would include a right to see a GP within seven days, improving access to NHS dental care and wider availability of mental health services.
Rishi Sunak will ‘absolutely’ lead Tories into general election
Rishi Sunak will lead the Tories into the election despite his calamitous D-Day blunder, a Cabinet Minister insisted today.
The PM made an early exit from Normandy last week, opting to miss a second international ceremony in order to continue campaigning.
Welfare Secretary Mel Stride was forced to hit back at a suggestion that he will ‘step aside’ as leader before July 4.
But the Tories are now struggling to move the agenda on from the D-Day catastrophe despite announcing a major welfare crackdown today.
The Tories have struggled to fend off criticism after the PM missed an international event in France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings.
Ex-PM David Cameron was forced to stand in for him, taking his place next to US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Mr Stride was asked on Sky News’ Sunday Morning show: “Is he going to lead you into this election?” Stride replied: “Absolutely and there should be no question about that.”
Minister attacks Farage's 'our culture' comments
A senior Conservative minister said Mr Farage's claim that Rishi Sunak demonstrated he did not understand "our culture" by leaving D-Day commemorations early made him "very uncomfortable".
The Reform UK leader defended his comments to the BBC on Sunday stating the prime minister's action showed he was "disconnected by class [and] by privilege" from ordinary people.
But work and pensions secretary Mel Stride said Mr Farage's comment made him "very uncomfortable".
In the same programme, Labour's Shabana Mahmood told presenter Laura Kuenssberg Mr Farage's comment was a "dog whistle".
Voters furious with PM for quitting D-Day commemorations early
Voters are furious with Rishi Sunak over his D-Day dash but don’t fully trust “smug” Sir Keir Starmer, a focus group reveals.
Our group of seven all backed Boris Johnson in 2019 but said they are now exploring voting for the Conservatives, Labour or Nigel Farage’s Reform.
Farage doubles down on PM criticism
Nigel Farage doubled down on claims that Rishi Sunak's early exit from Normandy last week shows he is "unpatriotic" and doesn't understand "our culture".
The Reform Chief faced backlash for the comment - with some calling it a "racist dog whistle".
But a defiant Mr Farage hit back saying it referred to the PM being so rich he doesn't understand what matters to ordinairy people.
He said: "The PM should've known in his heart that it was right to be there. The vast majority of people in Britain felt this commemoration was important. Forty per cent of our contribution in WWI and WWII came from the Commonwealth.
"He is utterly disconnected by class and by privilege from how the ordinary folk of this country. He revealed that spectacularly when he left Normandy early."
Will Euro 2024 be an election distraction?
Voters could be distracted from the cut and thrust of the election campaign by the upcoming Euro 2024.
July 4 falls in the middle of the Euros, where Gareth Southgate’s England side will carry the hopes of the nation.
The tournament in Germany kicks off on June 14 — with the Three Lions’ group games on June 16, 20, and 25 ahead of a Round of 16 tie on either June 29 or 30.
There is no game on election day itself, although the Euros quarter-finals start on July 5.
What are the new boundary changes?
A major shake-up of the electoral map means the constituency you voted in at the last election might not actually exist or may have moved.
The boundaries of lots of seats have been tweaked, either to take in areas of other seats, lose ground or be abolished altogether.
The carve-up was done to distribute voters more fairly so there are not wild differences in constituency populations.
For example, the Isle of Wight - which had the largest electorate - is being split down the middle into two new constituencies.
How is the PM decided in the general election?
Whichever party leader wins a majority of the 650 Commons seats up for grabs - so 326 - will be asked by the King to form the next government.
If nobody wins an outright majority, the leader of the largest party is usually given the first crack at trying to form an administration, either as a shaky minority government or creating a coalition with smaller parties.
But that is not a clear-cut rule. In 2010 Gordon Brown briefly tried to cling on by sealing a coalition deal with the Lib Dems despite David Cameron’s Tories winning the most seats.
What is the voting system?
The UK uses the first past the post voting system - which essentially means the candidate with the most votes wins.
It means candidates do not need to win a majority of voters in a constituency to become the MP, just one more vote than the person who comes second.
This is different to many European countries who use proportional representation systems - where seats are divvied up to parties based on their national vote share.
Nigel Farage raking in a fortune with £70 personalised videos for fans
Nigel Farage has raked in a fortune filming personalised videos for fans - and is still making them on the election trail.
The Reform Party chief is charging £70 a pop on Cameo, the video website where celebs flog personal messages to fans.
He has coined hundreds of thousands of pounds through the sideline since launch in lockdown.
Nigel told The Sun on Sunday: “I was going to give it up when I decided to stand to be an MP because I thought I am going to be too busy. But I started getting angry emails from people wanting videos. So I went back on it.”
The party chief was even filming Cameo videos late on Friday night after appearing on the BBC’s big general election debate.
PM vows to slash welfare bill by £12bn a year
Rishi Sunak will look to get his election campaign back on track with a manifesto vow to slash £12billion a year off the bloated welfare bill.
Writing in an exclusive column on The Sun on Sunday, the PM said he is on a “moral mission” to end the “waste of potential” of Brits languishing on welfare.
“I won’t accept more and more of our young people being parked on benefits, this wouldn’t be right or fair,” he wrote.
‘I’m no quitter’ – Rishi Sunak vows to fight on
Rishi Sunak vowed to carry on “until the last day of this campaign” as he sought to draw a line under the fallout over his early departure from D-Day commemorations in Normandy.
The Prime Minister said he will not stop “fighting for the future of our country” when asked about rumours that he might quit ahead of the general election on July 4.
He was back in action campaigning in West Sussex earlier today.
Rishi Sunak will ‘absolutely’ lead Tories into general election
Rishi Sunak will lead the Tories into the election despite his calamitous D-Day blunder, a Cabinet Minister insisted today.
The PM made an early exit from Normandy last week, opting to miss a second international ceremony in order to continue campaigning.
Welfare Secretary Mel Stride was forced to hit back at a suggestion that he will ‘step aside’ as leader before July 4.
But the Tories are now struggling to move the agenda on from the D-Day catastrophe despite announcing a major welfare crackdown today.
The Tories have struggled to fend off criticism after the PM missed an international event in France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings.
Ex-PM David Cameron was forced to stand in for him, taking his place next to US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Mr Stride was asked on Sky News’ Sunday Morning show: “Is he going to lead you into this election?" Stride replied: "Absolutely and there should be no question about that."
Penny Mordaunt claimed Rishi was 'completely wrong' for leaving D-Day memorial early
The BBC tried to make the first 15 minutes of the debate about the row over the PM flying home early from D-Day.
And Ms Mordaunt, a former Defence Secretary and honorary captain of the Royal Navy reserves, did not avoid criticising her boss.
She said: “What happened was completely wrong and the Prime Minister has rightly apologised for that, apologised to veterans but also to all of us, because he was representing all of us.
“But what I also think is important is we honour their legacy — they fought for our freedom, and unless we are spending the right amount on defence we can’t honour that legacy.”
Nigel Farage’s election defeats
- 1994 Eastleigh by-election – 952 votes (1.7%) – 4th
- 1997 General Election (Salisbury) – 3,332 (5.7%) – 4th
- 2001 General Election (Bexhill and Battle) – 3,474 (7.8%) – 4th
- 2005 General Election (Thanet South) – 2,079 (5%) – 4th
- 2006 Bromley by-election – 2,347 (8.1%) – 3rd
- 2010 General Election (Buckingham) – 8,410 (17.4%) – 3rd
- 2015 General Election (South Thanet) – 16,026 (32.4%) – 2nd
Tory candidate resigns after sexual comments exposed
A Conservative candidate has resigned after a series of comments he made about women were exposed.
Magistrate Sam Trask was set to stand in the key battleground of Bridgend in Wales.
The Tory candidate reportedly said his preferred bra size measuring technique was “hand sizing them by feel”.
Debate opened with row about defence
The seven-way debate on the BBC immediately exploded into a row about defence of the realm, with Leader of the House of Commons
Ms Mordaunt attacking Ms Rayner for putting Britain in danger.
In an opening battering, she said: “Imagine what Putin is thinking. Without credibility, we become a target. If we become a target, you are less safe. It’s too late for this generation of Labour politicians, that credibility is shot. Do not vote these people in.”
Ms Rayner hit back: “You’ve just said we need a strong economy but you backed Liz Truss, who crashed our economy.”
Ms Mordaunt said: “Even Liz Truss, on her worst day, still recognised we needed a nuclear deterrent in this country.”
Ms Rayner meekly insisted “So do I”, but it was clear first blood had gone to the Tories.
Penny Mordaunt tipped for Tory leadership
Penny Mordaunt will use her TV election debate role as a springboard for the Tory leadership, party insiders say.
The Cabinet minister represented the Government in the BBC’s election bout on Friday night.
With the Tories miles behind in the polls, campaigns to replace Rishi Sunak are cranking up.
Ms Mordaunt is tipped to throw her hat into the ring if she is re-elected Portsmouth North MP.
‘No plan, no target and no clue’
Penny Mordaunt criticised Angela Rayner for having “no plan, no target, and no clue” on reducing migration.
Fiery Rayner had to defend her party against accusations that they were not committed to addressing the influx of foreigners into Britain.
In front of a live TV audience on the BBC, Ms Mordaunt lashed out: “Keir Starmer spent most of his life campaigning for free movement.
“These people do not want to control migration.”
