Leftist Keir Starmer becomes new British prime minister, pledges to put “country first, party second”

07/09/2024 / By Laura Harris

Newly elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to prioritize the country over his party’s interests during his first term as the head of Britain’s government.

Starmer, the leader of the left-wing Labour Party, and his team secured a landslide victory on July 5, ending 14 years of Conservative Party rule.

The Labour Party secured 412 seats out of 650 in the House of Commons, while the Conservatives, led by outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, managed to win only 121 seats, with a staggering 12 Cabinet ministers losing their seats. (Related: Nigel Farage vows to break U.K.’s ties to World Economic Forum if his party takes control of British government.)

This marks the worst defeat in the Conservative Party’s history, with the previous record lows for the Tories being 165 seats in 1997 and 156 seats in 1906.

In line with the victory, King Charles III invited Starmer, along with his wife, Victoria Starmer to a private appointment at Buckingham Palace to discuss forming a new government.

“Four and a half years of work, changing the party. This is what it is for. A changed Labour Party, ready to serve our country, ready to restore Britain to the service of working people,” said Starmer, who has led the party since 2020, in a brief victory speech at London’s Royal Festival Hall. “The sunlight of hope was shining once again in a country with an opportunity after 14 years to get its future back.”

That same day, Starmer addressed a crowd outside the prime minister’s official residence of 10 Downing Street with a pledge to prioritize the country over party interests after King Charles officially named him the new prime minister during the traditional “kissing hands” ceremony at the royal residence of Buckingham Palace.

“The country has voted decisively for change,” Keir stated. “Public service is a privilege, and your government should treat every single person in this country with respect. From now on, you have a government unburdened by doctrine, only by the determination to serve your interest.”

Sunak steps down as leader of the Conservative Party

The election also saw a significant surge in support for Reform UK, which secured four seats, with party leader Nigel Farage and chairman Richard Tice both being elected. The Green Party of England and Wales also made notable gains, winning more than a million votes and securing three additional seats for a total of four. The Liberal Democrats also experienced a resurgence with 71 seats.

Meanwhile, outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced his resignation as leader of the Conservative Party following a brief audience with the monarch.

“To the country, 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 judgment that matters,” Sunak said.

Sunak, who succeeded Liz Truss in October 2022, admitted that it had been a “difficult night” for his party after a record number of cabinet ministers lost their seats.

“The British people have delivered a sobering verdict tonight, there is much to learn… and I take responsibility for the loss,” he said. “To the many good, hard-working Conservative candidates who lost tonight, despite their tireless efforts, their local records and delivery, and their dedication to their communities. I am sorry.”

Sunak then assured the public that power would “change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner, with goodwill on all sides.”

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