Keir Starmer has officially taken office as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, following Labour’s landslide victory in the general election. On July 5, 2024, Starmer met with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace to formally accept the role and form a new government.In his inaugural speech at 10 Downing Street, Starmer pledged to ‘rebuild’ and ‘unite’ the country. He emphasized the need for action rather than words, stating, ‘Trust can only be healed by actions, not words’. Starmer acknowledged the challenges ahead, promising to make ‘calm and patient’ decisions to address the issues facing the nation.The election results were decisive, with Labour securing 412 seats in the 650-seat House of Commons, far exceeding the 326 needed for a majority. The Conservative Party, led by Rishi Sunak, suffered a historic defeat, winning only 121 seats – their worst performance in almost 200 years. Sunak has resigned as party leader and will step down once a successor is chosen.Starmer has begun forming his cabinet, making several key appointments. Rachel Reeves has been named as the UK’s first woman finance minister, and David Lammy will serve as foreign secretary. Angela Rayner has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister.The new Prime Minister faces a daunting list of challenges, including stimulating economic growth, reforming public services, and addressing financial struggles faced by households. He has promised to prioritize education, housing, and public services, with a particular focus on rebuilding the National Health Service (NHS).International leaders have congratulated Starmer on his victory, and he is set to take his first steps on the global stage at a NATO summit in Washington next week. As the UK prepares for this significant political transition, all eyes are on Starmer and his team to implement their campaign promises and address the numerous challenges facing the country.
Key points
- Keir Starmer has been appointed as the new UK Prime Minister after Labour’s landslide election victory.
- Labour won 412 seats in the House of Commons, while the Conservatives suffered their worst defeat in almost 200 years.
- Starmer has appointed key cabinet members, including Rachel Reeves as the first woman finance minister.
- The new government faces significant challenges, including economic growth and public service reform.
