(CNN) — Keir Starmer has pledged to steer the UK towards “calmer waters” after 14 often turbulent years of Conservative government in his first speech as leader. New British Prime Minister.
“If I asked you now whether you believe the UK would be better for your children, I know many of you would say no,” he said, vowing to fight “until you believe again.”
Starmer said his government would try to “quietly challenge those who have abandoned our country”.
“We have been given a clear mandate and we will use it to deliver change, restore service and respect to politics, end the era of showboating, make life easier for people and unite our country,” Starmer declared.
He said the four nations of the United Kingdom would remain united to face “the challenges of an insecure world, committed to calm and patient reconstruction”.
UK votes ‘decisively for change’
“With respect and humility, I invite you all to join this government of service in its mission of national renewal. Our work is urgent and we begin it today,” he said before heading to No 10 Downing Street.
Starmer said the country had voted “decisively for change and a return from politics to public service”.
“When the gap between the sacrifices people make and the service they receive from politicians grows so wide, there is a fatigue at the heart of the nation, a drain on the hope, the spirit and the belief in a better future, which is what we need to move forward together,” Starmer said.
Starmer points out that this wound “can only be healed by actions, not words.”
He added that the new prime minister intends to start work immediately “with a simple recognition that public service is a privilege and that this government must treat every person in this country with respect.”
(Image credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Starmer appoints first ever Chancellor of the Exchequer in UK history
Starmer has appointed Rachel Reeves as UK Chancellor, the first woman to hold the position of Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Reeves declared it “the honour of a lifetime” to be appointed UK Chancellor of the Exchequer.
“I know the responsibility that comes with it, and I am ready to make the change our economy needs so that workers across the country are better off,” Reeves said in a post on X.
Reeves, a former Bank of England economist, said his appointment was a “historic responsibility” and addressed other women and girls, saying there should be “no limits to their ambitions”.
There will also be a record number of female lawmakers in the new House of Commons, continuing a trend of increased female representation in Parliament at recent elections.
More than 260 women were elected to parliament. The previous record was 220 in 2019.
The centre-left Labour Party won the election comfortably, securing the largest majority in its history.
Outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak earlier announced he would step down as leader of the Conservative Party in a speech in Downing Street, saying: “I have heard your anger and disappointment, and I take responsibility for this defeat.”
Rachel Reeves. (Photo credit: Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
The Conservatives had a tough night, losing more than 250 seats. It was their worst defeat since the party was formed. Senior Conservatives who lost seats included former (if short-lived) Prime Minister Liz Truss, Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and Justice Secretary Alex Chalk.
Meanwhile, a rebellious right-wing populist party led by Nigel Farage won four seats, and Farage himself entered parliament for the first time, having stood seven times in the past.
With reports from CNN’s Sugam Pokharel, Zahid Mahmood and Christian Edwards.
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