Keir Starmer, who led the Labour Party to achieve a landslide victory in Britain’s general election, officially became the new prime minister after meeting with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in London on Friday.
“Our country has voted decisively for change and a return of politics to public service,” Starmer said in his first speech as prime minister in front of 10 Downing Street.
However, “changing a country is not like flicking a switch,” said Starmer, noting that the world has become “more volatile.”
He said the work to change will begin immediately but will take a while.
The new prime minister highlighted his focus on things that “working-class families like mine can build their lives around.” He pledged to get the country’s struggling healthcare system back on track, secure the British borders, and attend to the need for schools and affordable homes.
“If I asked you now whether you believed that Britain will be better for your children, I know too many of you will say no — and so my government will fight until you believe again,” he added.
Earlier Friday, Rishi Sunak resigned as British prime minister. He will also step down as leader of the Conservative Party after the Tories lost heavily to the Labour Party in the general election.
Vote counting for Thursday’s election is still ongoing. Out of the 650 seats in parliament, the Labour has secured 412 seats while the Conservatives have won 121. Labour’s parliamentary majority marks the end of the Conservatives’ 14-year rule. ■
Keir Starmer prepares to deliver his first speech as British prime minister in front of 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, July 5, 2024. Keir Starmer, who led the Labour Party to achieve a landslide victory in Britain’s general election, officially became the new prime minister after meeting with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in London on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Keir Starmer delivers his first speech as British prime minister in front of 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, July 5, 2024. Keir Starmer, who led the Labour Party to achieve a landslide victory in Britain’s general election, officially became the new prime minister after meeting with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in London on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Keir Starmer (L) and his wife are pictured after he delivered his first speech as British prime minister in front of 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, July 5, 2024. Keir Starmer, who led the Labour Party to achieve a landslide victory in Britain’s general election, officially became the new prime minister after meeting with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in London on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Keir Starmer (L) and his wife wave to the crowd after he delivered his first speech as British prime minister in front of 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, July 5, 2024. Keir Starmer, who led the Labour Party to achieve a landslide victory in Britain’s general election, officially became the new prime minister after meeting with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in London on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Keir Starmer (L) and his wife wave to the crowd after he delivered his first speech as British prime minister in front of 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, July 5, 2024. Keir Starmer, who led the Labour Party to achieve a landslide victory in Britain’s general election, officially became the new prime minister after meeting with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in London on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Keir Starmer delivers his first speech as British prime minister in front of 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, July 5, 2024. Keir Starmer, who led the Labour Party to achieve a landslide victory in Britain’s general election, officially became the new prime minister after meeting with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in London on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Keir Starmer enters 10 Downing Street after he delivered his first speech as British prime minister in London, Britain, July 5, 2024. Keir Starmer, who led the Labour Party to achieve a landslide victory in Britain’s general election, officially became the new prime minister after meeting with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in London on Friday. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
