Keir Starmer promises 'sunlight' of hope after landslide victory

Sir Keir Starmer promised the “sunlight of hope” after he put Labour back in power for the first time in 14 years.

The new Prime Minister entered No 10 on a pledge to restore trust in politics and a vow to renew the nation’s spirit.

Jubilant well wishers gathered to welcome the country’s new leader and his wife, Victoria, to Downing Street.

He said: “Now our country has voted decisively for change, for national renewal and a return of politics to public service.

“When the gap between the sacrifices made by people and the service they receive from politicians grows this big, it leads to a weariness in the heart of a nation, a draining away of the hope, the spirit, the belief in a better future.

“But we need to move forward together. Now this wound, this lack of trust can only be healed by actions not words, I know that.

“But we can make a start today with the simple acknowledgement that public service is a privilege and that your government should treat every single person in this country with respect.”

He said “my Government will serve you, politics can be a force for good”, adding: “The work of change begins immediately, but have no doubt, we will rebuild Britain.”

After 649 of the 650 Commons seats had been declared, Labour had a majority of 176.

Labour had 412 seats and the Tories 121, the worst result in the party’s history.

In the early hours as Labour’s victory was confirmed, Sir Keir addressed activists gathered in the Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall.

He told them the “sunlight of hope” is shining once again and a “new dawn has broken”.

The party swept to power in the biggest landslide since Sir Tony Blair’s first election triumph 27 years ago.

But the election night threw up some interesting results, with Sir Keir losing 18,000 votes in his own constituency.

Former leader Jeremy Corbyn, now standing as an independent, clung on in Islington North, while the backlash to Labour’s stance on Gaza saw it lose Blackburn, Leicester South and Dewsbury and Batley to independents.

Among the casualties was Jonathan Ashworth, one of the party’s most seasoned media performers who toured the election studios during the election campaign.

Meanwhile, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer beat Labour’s Thangam Debbonaire in Bristol Central.

Overall, the party won well over 400 seats but only around a third of the vote share, indicating that voters were disillusioned with both of the major parties and were looking elsewhere.

Reform UK under Nigel Farage’s leadership secured five seats despite it being the first time the party had challenged at a Westminster election.

Turnout for the election was on track to hit a 20 year low, in a vivid demonstration of voter apathy.

Three quarters of the public said the biggest factor behind Labour's landslide victory was wanting the end of a Conservative government, rather than a desire for a Labour government, according to a snap poll from Savanta.

Chris Hopkins, political research director, said: “Labour begins its time in office today following a historic landslide, and that should not be understated.

“But nor should the sentiment voters are expressing to us - that many of them think the biggest factor in yesterday's election was against the Conservatives, more than a genuine desire for a Keir Starmer government.”

But Lord Mandelson, one of the architect’s of the party’s 1997 success, described the results as an “electoral meteor” hitting Planet Earth.

Sir Keir became the third Prime Minister of the King’s reign following a well choreographed series of meetings ensuring the smooth handover of power.

Charles played a central role during the busy aftermath of the General Election that left the Conservatives reeling following a crushing defeat by the Labour Party, which won by a landslide.

Even the weather played its part, with a downpour drenching Rishi Sunak when he announced six weeks ago that the country would go to the polls.

When Sir Keir arrived at Buckingham Palace, rain clouds parted and the sun shone.

Buckingham Palace said the Labour leader “kissed hands” with the King on his appointment as Prime Minister – but in reality the historic term is believed to refer to a handshake.

Their historic meeting saw Sir Keir follow Mr Sunak and Liz Truss to become the head of state’s third prime minister.

Earlier, Mr Sunak was joined by his wife Akshata Murty for his final audience with the King as he resigned as prime minister and recommended the Labour leader be invited to form a new Government.