Keir Starmer becomes prime minister of the UK— as it happened (2024)

Thank you for following our live blog, where Sir Keir Starmer has become the UK's newest prime minister.

Here is a recap of some of the key events that happened throughout the day:

• Keir Starmer delivers first address as UK PM.
• King Charles III appoints Keir Starmer as new PM.
• Rishi Sunak concedes defeat.
• UK Labour reaches majority government.
• Rishi Sunak steps down as leader of the Conservatives.

You can look back at the developments below, or download the ABC News app and subscribe to our range of news alerts for the latest updates.

So, let’s recap.

The United Kingdom has woken up to a new political era this morning.

After 14 years of Conservative leadership, Keir Starmer is the new prime minister, and his Labour party have won in a dramatic fashion.

As was expected in the lead-up, the Conservatives have fallen to one of their worst ever results.

There’s still a couple seats to be called, but so far Labour has 412 seats, well above the 326 needed for a majority.

The Conservatives are sitting on 121, and have lost 250 MPs, including many high-profile ones.

Former UK prime minister Liz Truss lost her seat, while former cabinet minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg also suffered defeat.

While Labour won a huge amount of MPs, it didn’t see a huge jump in its share of the overall vote.

One of the big winners was Reform UK, a party standing on an anti-immigration policy.

Led by populist leader Nigel Farrage’s win in Clacton, Reform only claimed four seats but came second in many more.

Reform secured more than 14 per cent of the vote, and will raise plenty of concerns for the Conservatives moving forward.

The Liberal Democrats had a great night, and will have 71 seats in the new parliament, adding 63.

On the other hand, it was a terrible night for the Scottish National Party, losing 38 seats to sit with just nine.

The Greens won four seats, three more than in 2019.

Professor Sir John Curtice spoke with ABC News

He has been covering elections for the BBC for decades.

"This was a night in many respects that was unprecedented.""We saw the support for the conservative party fall between 20 to 21 points, down to no more than 24 per cent of the votes," he told ABC News.

"But it wasn't a dramatic success for the Labour Party."

He says support for the Labour Party across the UK only went up by a couple of points.

Watch the full interview here.

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Here are some photos of Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria Starmer, greeting people outside Downing Street.

Starmer's first speech as prime minister focused on service to the country, pledging to end an era of scandal and lack of trust in the UK government.

"My government will fight every day until you believe again," he said.

"From now on you have a government unburdened by doctrine, guided only by the determination to serve your interest.

"You have given us a clear mandate, and we will use it deliver change."

"I invite you all to join this government of service in the mission of national renewal. Our work is urgent, and we begin it today. Thank you very much."

The key word for Keir Starmer during his election campaign was 'change', and he has continued along that theme in his first speech as prime minister.

"Changing a country is not like flicking a switch, the world is now a more volatile place," he said.

"This will take a while. But have no doubt the work of change begins immediately. Have no doubt, we will rebuild Britain, with wealth created in every community.

"An NHS back on its feet facing the future, secure borders, safer streets, everyone treated with dignity and respect."

Keir Starmer has paid tribute to outgoing prime minister Rishi Sunak.

"I want to thank the outgoing prime minister Rishi Sunak," he said.

"His achievement as the first British Asian PM of this country, the extra effort that would have required, should not be underestimated by anyone."

After raining all morning here in London, the sun has emerged for Keir Starmer's first address as the UK's prime minister.

Speaking in front of the prime minister's residence at 10 Downing Street, Starmer promised change after securing a huge majority overnight.

"I have just returned from Buckingham Place where I accepted an invitation from his Majesty the King to form the next government of this great nation," Starmer said.

"Our country has voted decisively for change, for national renewal, and a return of politics to public service."

Starmer arrived at Downing St alongside his wife Victoria, where he was greeted by jubilant supporters, cheering and applauding.

Just to remind you of the scale of Starmer's victory, a majority in the UK's House of Commons requires 326 seats.

With two seats still to be called, Labour has claimed 412, gaining 211 MPs since the 2019 election.

Meanwhile, the Conservatives have been decimated, sitting on 121 seats, a loss of 250.

After meeting with King Charles, Keir Starmer is officially the United Kingdom’s new prime minister.

He is the King’s third prime minister, but the first to be elected by the public.

Starmer is now heading to 10 Downing Street, a short drive from Buckingham Palace.

Keir Starmer is now meeting with King Charles in Buckingham Palace, seeking the final approval before he and Labour can form government.

The carefully choreographed ceremony is known as the “Kissing of Hands” – but no, no actual kissing takes place.

The King will formally ask Starmer to form a new government.

Starmer will then bow and shake the King’s hand.

We then expect Keir Starmer to leave the palace and head to his new residence – 10 Downing Street – where he will make his first statement to the UK public as prime minister.

As Keir Starmer meets with King Charles at Buckingham Place, set to formally become the UK's new prime minister, world leaders have been congratulating the Labour leader on his victory.

Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has posted on social media platform X, describing Starmer's win as a "convincing election victory".

"Ukraine and the United Kingdom have been and will continue to be reliable allies through thick and thin," he wrote.

Starmer will continue the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine in its war efforts against Russia.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared a photo of the two leaders shaking hands.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also took to social media to congratulate Starmer.

If you missed Rishi Sunak's address outside Downing Street, you can watch the video here.

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"This is a difficult day at the end of a number of difficult days," he says.

"I leave this job honoured to have been your prime minister.

"This is the best country in the world and it is thanks entirely to you — the British people — the true source of all of our achievements our strengths and our greatness.

"Thank you."

"One of the most remarkable things about Britain is just how unremarkable, that two generations after my grandparents, came here with little, I could become prime minister," Sunak says.

He says it is also remarkable that he could watch his two daughters light Diwali candles on the steps in Downing Street.

"We must hold true to that idea of who we are.

"That vision of kindness, decency and tolerance that has also been the British way."

Sunak has thanked his colleagues once again as well as the civil service, his cabinet and his staff.

He went on to thank his wife and children.

"I would like to express my gratitude to my wife Akshata and our beautiful daughters," he says.

"I can never thank them enough for the sacrifices they have made, so that I might serve our country."

"Whilst he has been my political opponent, Sir Keir Starmer will shortly become our prime minister," he says.

"In his job, his successes will be all our successes.

"I wish him and his family well.

"Whatever our disagreements in this campaign, he is a decent public spirited man who I respect."

Sunak says Starmer and his family deserve the "very best" of the UK's understanding as they make transition to Downing Street.

Rishi Sunak has reflected on his time as the prime minister.

"When I first stood here as your prime minister, I told you the most important task I had was to return stability to our economy," he says

"Inflation is back to target, mortgage rates are falling and growth has returned."

He says while in office, the UK has enhanced its standing in the world.

He lists: "Rebuilding relations, leading global efforts to Ukraine and becoming the home of generation new transformative technologies."

He says the UK is stronger over all.

"With the Windsor framework, devolution in northern Ireland and our union strengthened, I am proud of those achievements."

"It is important that after 14 years in government, the Conservative Party rebuilds," he says.

"But also that it takes up its crucial opposition professionally and effectively."