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...
Lib Dems win 'record-breaking' number of seats
The Liberal Democrats have won 68 seats - and have hopes of landing more.
Leader Sir Ed Davey said: "This is a record-breaking night for the Liberal Democrats. We have swept to victory in seats from Land's End to John o' Groats.
"I am humbled by the trust that millions of people across the country have put in us.
"We will now work hard to keep that trust with a focus on the issues that matter most to them, most of all the NHS and care."
The latest figures
With 628 constituency results declared, Labour has won 407 seats with a 34.2% share of the vote.
The Conservatives have 112 seats and a 23.5% vote share.
The Liberal Democrats have won in 68 constituencies with 12% of the overall vote while Reform UK has 14.3% of the vote, translating to success in four seats.
The SNP has eight seats, Plaid Cymru is on four, Sinn Fein has seven and the DUP has four.
The Green Party has 6.8% of the votes and four seats.
Rishi touches down after 'sobering verdict'
Rishi Sunak has landed back down south with the weather in a similar state to when he called the snap election.
The rain is pouring down as his plane arrives at RAF Northolt this morning.
He held onto his seat in Richmond and Northallerton and has said he will stay on as an MP but is expected to resign as Tory leader at some point this morning.
Congratulations for Sir Keir coming from afar
International leaders have been sending their best wishes to our country's new PM.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau jumped on X this morning to congratulate Sir Keir on a "historic UK election victory".
Tune into our LIVE election results special
From 8am, Sun experts will chew over a seismic night in politics in a live election special.
Britain is be waking up to a new Prime Minister as Sir Keir Starmer cruised into Downing Street.
For the very best analysis tune in on page or mcb777.fun - you won’t want to miss it.
Credit: Peter Jordan Former PM Liz Truss loses her seat
The former Prime Minister, who was the UK's shortest leader of all time, has lost her seat in another blow for the Tories.
Truss was snapped still smiling this morning at the King’s Lynn election count for South West Norfolk constituencies at Alive Lynnsport.
The MP, who called No 10 home for just 49 days, lost by just several hundred votes.
Credit: Rex Hunt all smiles despite crushing defeat
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has been snapped this morning on Downing Street with a smile on his face despite seeing the Tories suffer a crushing defeat.
The outgoing Chancellor kept hold of his seat by a small margin, but the election saw scores of his fellow party big hitters ousted.
Outgoing Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt arrives in Downing StreetCredit: PA Media gather at Downing Street
Members of the media wait outside Number 10 Downing Street this morningCredit: AFP Cleverly warns 'nothing honourable in thin solutions'
Outgoing Home Secretary James Cleverly has warned "there is nothing honourable in presenting simple and thin solutions to challenging and complex problems".
The Braintree MP, who has held his seat, said: "This has been a very difficult night for my party and losing the position of government of this country is painful, but it is the nature of our democracy that it happens.
"And when it happens it is incumbent upon I suppose all parties, but particularly the party leaving government, to listen carefully to what the voters are telling us.
"I am not going to rush to any quick judgments. I think the right thing to do is be thoughtful and take a short period of time to really assess what the voters are telling us, but it is clear that, when you see the vote share of the traditional main parties of government, that many voters are disillusioned with all of us.
"And we should take that on board.
"I think it is also right that we have the humility to recognise that there is nothing honourable in presenting simple and thin solutions to challenging and complex problems, and the world is a difficult and dangerous place, and we have to respond to that."
People won't feel result for 'year or so'
Neil Kinnock said that people would feel the results of a Labour government in "a year or so".
Speaking after the crowds of Labour staff had left, and camera crews were de-rigging, the member of the House of Lords said: "I do realise what a gigantic set of demands face this new Labour government.
"We've got crises in every single public service - no exception to that - after years of under-investment, neglect, and, indeed, deliberate suppression and corrosion. So we face that in an under-performing economy.
"But I'm absolutely certain (of) the utter priority that Keir and his government will give to public and private investment as a means of stimulating growth and securing improvement in every aspect of life - from the environment to our defence security.
"(It) won't be fast, can't be quick, because of the state of affairs - everybody understands that - but it will be continual, it will be very positive, and it will be cumulative. A year or so in people will start to see it."
Which Tory big beasts have been ousted?
The Tories have so far lost more than a dozen big beasts in the crushing election defeat.
Jacob Rees-Mogg has been ousted by Labour in North Somerset.
Other senior casualties include Mark Harper, Grant Shapps, Penny Mordaunt and Lucy Frazer.
Sir Robert Buckland, Alex Chalk and Gillian Keegan are also gone.
Jacob Rees-Mogg stands next to Barmy Brunch from The Official Monster Raving Loony Party as Labour's Dan Norris speaksCredit: Getty Ex-Scottish Tory leader brought down by own U-turn
Douglas Ross was brought down by his own U-turn on standing for election.
The former Scottish Tory leader - who announced last month he would leave the post - was beaten in Aberdeenshire North and Moray East.
It was his treatment of former MP David Duguid that eventually led to his downfall, with some in the Tory ranks briefing against him in the press after he announced he would be the Conservative candidate in the seat instead of Mr Duguid who was barred by party chiefs due to ill health.
Thursday's disappointment for Mr Ross is a far cry from his political beginnings, which saw him win a seat on Moray Council in 2007 aged 24.
Over the ensuing years, he battled for a seat at Westminster and Holyrood - but failed each time, before winning a regional seat for the Highlands and islands in 2016 at the Scottish Parliament.
A year later he hit his political high watermark. In a torrid election for the SNP, which saw the party drop from 56 to 35 seats, Mr Ross defeated SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson.
Harris hopes relationship goes from 'strength to strength'
Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris said he hopes his nation's relationship with the UK will go from "strength to strength" as he congratulated Sir Keir Starmer for his election victory.
"Congratulations (Sir Keir) on a comprehensive victory in the UK election," he posted to X.
"I look forward to working with you as close neighbours and friends.
"The relationship between Ireland and the UK is deep and consequential. I look forward to it going from strength to strength."
Vorderman says 'get the party started'
Former Countdown star Carol Vorderman has condemned years of "corruption, lies and gaslighting" from the Tories.
"Let's get the party started, because they have gone," she said of the Conservative Party as she appeared as a guest during the Channel 4 live election coverage.
"Who could ever have thought that a government would be as utterly, utterly banal and ridiculous as this one."
On X, formerly known as Twitter, Vorderman added: "Here's to a new chapter.
"Johnny Mercer gone. Jacob Rees Mogg gone. Gillian Keegan gone. Tories we don't have to endure anymore."
Starmer watched results at pal's home
By Kate Ferguson
SIR Keir Starmer punched the air and gave his wife Victoria a hug when he heard the results of the exit poll declaring him Prime Minister.
The Labour leader was at a friend’s house in central London with his wife and a small group of friends and aides to watch the results.
While a Labour landslide has been predicted for months, Britain’s new PM did not let himself quite believe it until the exit poll declared him the winner with a thumping majority.
He and his wife Vic had been gathered round the telly eating finger food and sipping on soft drinks.
As the BBC announced the news his aides cheered and Sir Keir turned to his wife Vic and gave her a big hug.
Then he punched the air.
He received the telephone call from Rishi Sunak conceding defeat shortly before 4am when he was in a car with his wife Vic on the way to Labour’s victory rally in Tate Modern’s iconic turbine hall.
But the night was bitter sweet in parts as Sir Keir was left deeply saddened when two of his frontbenchers - Jonathan Ashworth and Thangham Debbonaire lost their seats.
Tories facing Welsh wipeout
Labour has won back a string of seats in Wales from the Tories.
Three former Welsh secretaries lost their seats, Alun Cairns, Stephen Crabb and Simon Hart, while the current holder of the job, David TC Davies, predicted his own defeat.
Another ousted Tory was Craig Williams, former aide to Rishi Sunak, who had party support withdrawn after admitting betting on the date of the election.
Plaid Cymru celebrated winning both its target seats of Ynys Môn and Caerfyrddin from the Conservatives.
Lib Dems took back Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, removing Wales Office minister Fay Jones - the party's first Welsh MP since 2019.
Labour won back Bridgend and Wrexham and also took Bangor Aberconwy, Clwyd North, Clwyd East, Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr and Mid and South Pembrokeshire from the Tories.
It will be the first time since 2001 that Wales will have no Conservative MPs.
Australian PM congratulates 'friend' Starmer
Australian PM Anthony Albanese described Sir Keir Starmer as a "friend" as he congratulated him on his "resounding election victory" in a post on X this morning.
Davey celebrates to Sweet Caroline
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey celebrated the party's election results by dancing and singing to Sweet Caroline with supporters in central London.
Sir Ed laughed as he twirled around with his hands in the air singing the Neil Diamond classic while party supporters sang along and waved orange Lib Dem posters.
The party leader hugged attendees as he danced his way towards the stage to deliver a short speech following his stunt-packed election campaign.
Greens elect second ever MP
Greens co-leader Carla Denyer has become her party's second ever MP after beating senior Labour figure Thangam Debbonaire in Bristol.
The former Bristol City councillor polled 24,539 votes to beat her Labour opponent by 10,407 votes.
Ms Debbonaire, who was the shadow culture secretary, was tipped for a place in Sir Keir Starmer's cabinet.
The Conservatives finished in a distant third polling 1,998 and fourth was Reform was 1,338. The turnout was 69%.
Ms Denyer, a former engineer, said "Bristol had made history" by electing her to Parliament as a Green Party MP.
She added: "First and most importantly I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for Green.
"I am incredibly grateful for everyone who put their trust in me. To everyone who gave their vote to someone else this time, I am here for you and ready to listen to you and work hard for you too."
She also praised her predecessor for her "nine years as a brilliant, hardworking constituency MP".
Greens co-leader Carla Denyer has become her party's second ever MPCredit: LNP Latest forecast...
The latest forecast from ITV/ITN at just before 5.30am sees:
Labour 414
Conservatives 127
Lib Dems 68
Reform 4
SNP 8
Other 25Suella Braverman retains her seat
The former Home Secretary has held on in Fareham and Waterlooville.
In a punchy address, she says: "I'm sorry.
"That my party didn't listen to you.
"The Conservative Party has let you down.
"You. The great British people voted for us over 14 years. And we did not keep our promises.
"We've acted as if we're entitled to vote, regardless of what we did.
"Regardless of what we didn't do, despite promising time after time, that we would do those things.
"And we need to learn our lesson. Because if we don't bad as tonight has been for my party, but we'll have many worse nights to come.
"The country deserves better And we've got to do better.
"And I will do everything in my power to rebuild trust.
"We need to listen to you. You have spoken to us very clearly."
Starmer kisses wife Victoria at victory rally
Sir Keir Starmer shared a kiss with his wife Victoria at his victory rally.
He said the UK was again experiencing the "sunlight of hope" after a Labour landslide put him on course to be the next prime minister.
Sir Keir addressed his campaigners and voters, saying: "Thank you, truly. You have changed our country."
Supporters were moved to tears during his speech at the Tate Modern.
Victoria stood in the crowd and watched calmly as he addressed them from a podium with the sign "change begins".
He hugged her after the speech and she walked with him as he shook supporters' hands. They both embraced former leader Neil Kinnock.
Sir Keir Starmer and wife Victoria share a kissCredit: Reuters 
Victoria was at Starmer's side as he gave his victory speechCredit: AP Jacob Rees-Off
By Alex West
TORY big beast Jacob Rees-Mogg was stunned by a humiliating defeat in Bath this morning.
In another massive blow to the Conservatives, the millionaire fogey was beaten by Labour’s Dan Norris.
Rees Mogg looked bashful as the result was declared at Bath University to whoops from Labour supporters.
The 55-year-old Arch-Brexiteer was elected as the MP for North East Somerset in 2010, 2015, 2017 and 2019 - when he achieved 50.4% of the vote and had a majority of 14,729.
But he was another casualty in a Tory bloodbath which saw Labour sweep back to power.
The Eton and Oxford educated father of six was seen by many as the epitome of the old school Tory party.
He sought to blame Rishi’s election campaign as well as the Conservative Party abandoning its core voters over immigration and tax.
In his losing speech in the sports hall of Bath University, he said: “I congratulate Sir Keir Starmer who has led his party to a historic victory.”
Jubilant Starmer speaks...
A jubilant Sir Keir Starmer promised to make changes as the country's new Prime Minister.
To rapturous applause at his victory rally in central London, he began his speech saying: "We did it."
He promised the Labour Party will "return politics to public service", adding: "A mandate like this comes with a great responsibility."
Starmer said victory was only possible "because we changed the party".
"We must keep going," he added.
Sir Keir Starmer during his victory rallyCredit: Reuters Triumphant Starmer arrives
By Kate Ferguson
A TRIUMPHANT Sir Keir Starmer has arrived at his victory rally as he celebrates winning the biggest Labour landslide in the party’s 100 year history.
He was greeted with loud cheers by delighted Labour activists as he arrived at a London’s landmark to celebrate his triumph.
An army of Labour activists in red t-shirts and waving “change” placards greeted Sir Keir on his arrival. Some waves tiny union jacks.
Addressing the crowds he said: “We did it!
“Now we can look forward again - walking forward into the sunshine of hope.”
Neil Kinnock was in the front row taking pics.
But there was not a single champagne flute in sight as the party roasted their first ejection victory in 20 years.
