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.
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President Zelensky sends Starmer his support
Ukraine's President Zelensky has congratulated Sir Keir Starmer on becoming the UK's 58th prime minister.
He said: "Ukraine and the United Kingdom have been and will continue to be reliable allies through thick and thin.
"We will continue to defend and advance our common values of life, freedom, and a rules-based international order.
"I wish the incoming government every success both in domestic affairs and in solidifying the UK’s leadership on the world stage.
"I look forward to working closely together on strengthening the Ukraine-UK partnership and restoring international peace and security."
Trump sends his congratualtions to Farage
The former US President Donald Trump has congratulated his friend Nigel Farage on taking a seat in Clacton, and even dropped the Reform party.
The Republican nominee for the White House said on his Truth Social platform: “Congratulations to Nigel Farage on his big WIN of a Parliament Seat Amid Reform UK Election Success.
“Nigel is a man who truly loves his Country! DJT”
What did Rishi say in his resignation speech?
Standing outside 10 Downing Street, 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".
All the latest from 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
How did Keir and Victoria Starmer meet?
Keir and Victoria Starmer met during their work as solicitors.
In an interview with Piers Morgan he said:"I was doing a case in court and it all depended on whether the documents were accurate.
"I [asked my colleagues] who actually drew up these documents, they said a woman called Victoria, so I said let's get her on the line."
Victoria hung up on him during the call and was heard mumbling: "Who the f*** does he think he is?"
He then asked her out on a date to a pub in Camden.
And a few years later in 2007, the pair married.
Who is Keir Starmer's wife Victoria?
Victoria Starmer, also known as Lady Victoria Starmer, is a former solicitor turned NHS occupational health worker and the wife of British politician Keir Starmer.
Despite her husband's prominent political career, she plans to continue her work with the NHS, if he should become Prime Minister.
A commitment Keir Starmer has confirmed, stating, "She wants to and she loves it."
The pair both reportedly met in the early 2000s, before they later tied the knot in 2007.
She made her first appearance as the then-new Labour leader’s wife when the pair were filmed clapping for the NHS in 2020, outside their Camden home in North London.
More Cabinet appointments
Sir Keir Starmer has named Liz Kendall Work and Pensions Secretary, Downing Street said as it announced the latest Cabinet appointments.
Jonathan Reynolds is Business and Trade Secretary and the president of the Board of Trade.
The new Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology is Peter Kyle.
Louise Haigh was made Transport Secretary, with all retaining the roles they held in the shadow cabinet.
Official portrait released
The new Prime Minister's official portrait has been released.
Sir Keir Starmer's snap was put out this afternoon.
Reeves says there's 'no time to waste'
Freshly named Chancellor Rachel Reeves said "there is no time to waste" as she spoke to Treasury staff for the first time.
She said: "I have been a Member of Parliament for 14 years now.
"And if I'm honest, I've spent a lot of those years frustrated. Talking, not doing. Responding to constituents' problems, but not being able to get to the root cause of those problems.
"So as far as I'm concerned, there is no time to waste.
"I will judge my time in office a success if I know that, at the end of it, there are working-class kids from ordinary backgrounds living richer lives, their horizons expanded, and their potential realised.
"If we are leaving to the next generation a country that is more prosperous, with more good jobs paying decent wages, and a country better able to thrive in an uncertain world."
Michael Gove congratulates Rayner
Senior Tory Michael Gove, who did not stand for re-election, congratulated Angela Rayner on her new role this afternoon.
More MPs arrive at Downing Street
Hilary Benn and Steve Reed have made their way into No 10.
Cabinet appointments
Shabana Mahmood has been named Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice.
The former barrister, a key ally of the new Prime Minister, held on to her Birmingham Ladywood seat.
Wes Streeting is the new Health Secretary after clinging on to his Ilford North seat by just a few hundred votes.
Bridget Phillipson has been appointed Education Secretary.
She became the first MP elected overnight as her constituency, Houghton and Sunderland South, was the first to declare results.
Sir Keir Starmer also appointed Ed Miliband Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The MP for Doncaster North led the Labour party from 2010 to 2015.
David Lammy has been named the UK's new Foreign Secretary and said it was "the honour of my life".
He said in a tweet on X: "It is the honour of my life to be appointed Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.
"The world faces huge challenges, but we will navigate them with the UK's enormous strengths.
"We will reconnect Britain for our security and prosperity at home.";
Rachel Reeves was confirmed as Britain's first woman chancellor, Angela Rayner is Sir Keir's Deputy Prime Minister and retained the levelling up, housing and communities brief, and Yvette Cooper is Home Secretary.
The first batch of appointments contained no surprises as Pat McFadden, who played a central role in shaping Labour's election campaign, was named Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and John Healey Defence Secretary.
More MPs rolling in
Jo Stevens and Darren Jones have also made their way into No 10 as Sir Keir names his Cabinet.
In pictures: MPs arriving at No 10
Sir Keir Starmer has today named his new Labour Cabinet.
Here are some snaps of the MPs making their way up Downing Street.
Angela RaynerCredit: Reuters 
Ed MilibandCredit: EPA 
Lucy PowellCredit: Reuters 
Angela SmithCredit: Reuters 
Lisa NandyCredit: SWNS 
Rachel ReevesCredit: Getty 
Shabana MahmoodCredit: Getty 
Bridget PhillipsonCredit: EPA 
Yvette CooperCredit: SWNS 
Jonathan ReynoldsCredit: Rex Reeves makes history
Rachel Reeves is the UK's first female chancellor.
She beamed as she arrived at No 10 this afternoon.
Who has walked into Downing Street this afternoon?
As it stands, Angela Rayner, Pat McFadden, Rachel Reeves, Shabana Mahmood, John Healey, Wes Streeting, David Lammy, Peter Kyle, Bridget Phillipson, Yvette Cooper, Jonathan Reynolds, Ed Miliband, Lisa Nandy, Ian Murray, Louise Haigh, Lucy Powell and Liz Kendall have made their way inside No 10.
Louise Haigh has arrived at No 10
The Shadow Secretary of State for Transport has walked into Downing Street.
Louise Haigh is the self-dubbed ‘passenger-in-chief’ - or Transport Secretary in non-Labour speak.
With train cancellations, faulty lines, and never-ending strikes a constant blight on the UK network, the 26-year-old has said that she will get Britain moving again and fix our railways.
When she was elected as MP for Sheffield Heeley in the 2015 election she became the youngest Labour member of that parliament - aged just 27.
After her first year in Westminster she was declared the “most hard-working” new MP in a study of those elected in 2015.
Before she ran for public office she worked as public policy manager for insurance company Aviva.
She first joined the shadow cabinet in 2015 when Jeremy Corbyn was Labour leader and has previously been Shadow Minister for Civil Service and Digital Reform and Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
She nominated Corbyn as a candidate for the Labour leadership in 2015 then later said she regretted it.
Ed Miliband heading into Downing Street
Shadow Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is the latest Labour bigwig to enter No. 10
Miliband previously clashed with Starmer and Rachel Reeves after they scrapped Labour's £28billion eco pledge.
It'll be interesting to see if Starmer trusts his predecessor-but-one as Labour leader with a big role.
Reeves confirmed as Chancellor
Labour's Rachel Reeves has been appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer.
New Chancellor Rachel Reeves Reeves will be the first female Chancellor in the role's 800-year history.
It is one of the few appointments Sir Keir Starmer confirmed going into the election.
Jonathan Reynolds arrives in Downing Street
Shadow Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has arrived in Downing Street for his meeting with Keir Starmer.
Reynolds is one of Keir Starmer's top allies and a plum post likely awaits.
Angela Rayner named Deputy Prime Minister
Downing Street says Angela Rayner has been appointed Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Angela Rayner will be Deputy PM Rayner will also be Deputy Prime Minister.
Labour appear to have kept the Tory catchphrase "Levelling Up" after mulling alternatives.
Diane Abbott to be Mother of the House
Labour’s Diane Abbott will be Mother of the House in the new Parliament.
Diane Abbott will be Mother of the House The title goes to the longest-serving female MP in the House of Commons.
Abbott was first elected MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington in 1987.
Bridget Phillipson heads into No. 10
The daughter of a single mum, Bridget was brought up on a tough street in the former mining town of Washington in Sunderland.
She relied on benefits and free school meals growing up, and was a painfully shy child.
But her mum was a powerful force of nature, a Labour activist who ran a women’s refuge.
She signed her daughter up for acting lessons after school and Bridget ended up becoming an extra on Byker Grove.
Bridget was just 26 when she won the seat of Houghton & Sunderland South making her one of Labour's youngest MPs.
She loathed Jeremy Corbyn and was promoted by Sir Keir Starmer - first to Shadow Treasury Minister and then to Shadow Education Secretary.
The mother-of-two has been pushed hard by team Starmer, but remains an enigma and has not announced much policy apart from VAT on private schools.
Yvette Cooper enters No. 10
Married to Ed Balls, Yvette is one-half of one of New Labour‘s star power couples.
She was born to a trade union boss and a maths teacher and flew academically - studying at Oxford, Harvard and the LSE.
Yvette, 55, started out in politics in the early 1990s, working as a researcher for then Labour leader John Smith before jetting stateside to help Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign in 1992.
Elected as the MP for Pontefract and Castleford in Tony Blair’s 1997 landslide victory, she has landed a string of frontbench jobs.
But she refused to serve under Jeremy Corbyn, instead becoming boss of the powerful Home Affairs select Committee.
Yvette, was nicknamed the ‘Tory assassin’ after her forensic cross examination led to Amber Rudd to quit as Home Sec.
The mother-of-three’s first job was on a farm picking strawberries and driving a tractor.
Yvette's attention to detail makes her a formidable opponent.
David Lammy enters Downing Street
Set to become Britain’s chief diplomat, Tottenham choirboy David Lammy is known as one of the most outspoken members of Keir’s shadow cabinet.
He was promoted in the Tony Blair years before backing Jeremy Corbyn in the leadership election - before U-turning and saying he regretted it.
He has strong transatlantic ties with the Democrats stemming from when he met Barack Obama while studying at Harvard University.
Not exactly known for his tact, he faces a frosty reception from presidential hopeful Donald Trump after previously describing him as a Nazi sympathiser.
The shadow foreign secretary has also expressed support for charging Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu with alleged war crimes.
In 2022 he was found to have breached the ministerial code after he failed to declare almost £40,000 worth of financial interests on time.
