2024 UK General Elections Result Live: ‘We begin today,’ New PM Starmer takes charge of No 10 after historic win

It was a big day in UK politics as the country witnessed many historic firsts with Keir Starmer clinching the post of prime minister after his Labour Party won a thumping victory while Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party made a poor show. With Starmer in and Sunak out, here’s a round-up of all that happened in between on Friday, July 5.

-Labour Party won a landslide victory by winning 412 seats. The Conservative Party won 121 seats. (These are not the final results as counting in two constituencies is still underway)

-Keir Starmer became the second prime minister, after Tony Blair, under whose leadership the Labour Party has crossed the 400 mark

-Starmer won from his constituency Holborn and St Pancras while Rishi Sunak, who had to give up the prime ministerial post, also won from his Richmond and Northallerton seat

-Rishi Sunak apologised to the nation after losing the elections and took responsibility for the Conservative Party’s defeat. His colleague and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman also said sorry for the party’s performance and said, “My party did not listen to you.”

-Women are set to make a greater presence in the House of Commons after 242 female MPs were voted to power, 22 more than last year

-Liberal Democratic Party emerged as the third-largest party in UK after winning 71 seats

-Conservative Party’s Liz Truss became the first former prime minister to lose from her constituency in 90 years

-This was also the first time the Conservatives performed poorly in its nearly 200-year history. Meanwhile, Labour will enjoy a majority of 174 seats, just a little short of its record achieved under former PM Tony Blair

-After delivering his last address from 10 Downing Street, Sunak tendered his resignation to King Charles III at Buckingham Palace following which Starmer was formally appointed as the prime minister

-Starmer addressed the nation for the first time as a prime minister from Number 10 where he said, “Country first, party second” and vowed to “start working now”

Rishi Sunak is out and Keir Starmer is in. After a thumping victory in the UK general elections, the Labour leader will now prepare for what could be the longest and most important day of his life.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday joined other world leaders in congratulating Keir Starmer for thumping general election win in the UK, which ended 14 years of Conservative party rule in the country.

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After delivering his first speech as the new prime minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria Starmer went inside 10 Downing Street where they were greeted by Labour Party supporters.

Starmer is the second prime minister after Tony Blair to win over 400 seats in the UK General Elections.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday addressed the nation for the first time from 10 Downing Street, saying that his motto will always be “country first, party second.”

He was officially appointed as the prime minister of Britain by King Charles III after Rishi Sunak tendered his resignation.

“You have given us a clear mandate, and we will use it to deliver change. To restore service and respect to politics. End the era of noisy performance. Tread more lightly on your lives. And unite our country,” Starmer said.

He added, “Four nations standing together again. Facing down, as we have so often in our past, the challenges of an insecure world. Committed to a calm and patient rebuilding. So with respect, and humility 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.”

Labour on Friday secured a huge majority in the U.K.’s general election, giving it a massive mandate but also a few headaches once celebrations die down.

Before the vote, the Conservatives warned voters not to hand Labour party leader Keir Starmer the “blank cheque” of a “supermajority”, but as Prime Minister, he will now have a majority of over 170 and five years up against a demoralised main opposition.

“The main advantages are clarity. It means the government of the day can get on with its programme, unhindered and encumbered,” Tony McNulty, lecturer at Queen Mary University of London and a Labour Minister under Tony Blair, told AFP.

However, a “supermajority” does not have any constitutional significance in the U.K., as it does in the United States, explained King’s College London professor Vernon Bogdanor.

“A government with a majority of 30 can do more or less what it wants, just as much as a government with a majority of 200,” said Bogdanor, one of the country’s leading constitutional experts.

Rishi Sunak’s campaign to remain Britain’s prime minister showed a lack of political touch.

The Conservative Party’s problems were grave before Friday’s resounding election defeat but missteps by Britain’s richest prime minister contributed to its defeat.

Predecessors such as Tony Blair and Boris Johnson were more politically astute and able to connect with voters. As for Sunak, he didn’t have to call the election until Jan. 2025. He defied political advice by doing so in May — with Conservative support dwindling steadily amid an economic slump, ethics scandals and a revolving door of leaders over the last two years — and announced the July 4 date in the pouring rain.

What’s more, the Conservative Party didn’t appear ready for the campaign compared with Labour, and voters haven’t really felt the improvement in Britain’s economy yet.

Arguably, Sunak’s biggest blunder — one that prompted him to apologize and which many analysts think was the final death knell of the Conservative Party’s campaign — was his decision to leave early from the 80-year D-day commemorations in northern France on June 6.

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer addressed the British people in his first speech as UK PM.

Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, assumed official office as prime minister of the United Kingdom on Friday.

Through a ritual known as the “kissing of hands,” Starmer was granted permission by King Charles III to establish a government. Starmer’s new title was officially revealed through an event photo.

The London stock market advanced Friday after Britain’s centre-left Labour Party clinched an expected landslide election victory to end 14 years of right-wing Conservative rule.

London’s benchmark FTSE 100 index climbed following news that Keir Starmer will become Britain’s new Prime Minister after Labour trounced Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives.

The widely-forecast triumph has sparked investor hope of economic stability amid easing inflation, although Starmer faces tough challenges in the form of strained public finances, a stretched state health service and flagging economic growth.

Frankfurt and Paris stocks also climbed Friday with eurozone investors on tenterhooks before France’s crucial legislative vote this weekend.

The British pound gained versus the dollar and euro.

“U.K. stocks say yes to Starmer,” summarised Kathleen Brooks, research director at trading firm XTB.

French President Emmanuel Macron took to social media to congratulate Keir Starmer after Labour Party register’s landslide victory in UK elections.

“Congratulations Sir Keir Starmer on your victory. Pleased with our first discussion. We will continue the work begun with the UK for our bilateral cooperation, for peace and security in Europe, for the climate and for AI,” Macron said in a post on social media site X.

Britain outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on July 5 apologised to the public after his Conservatives were trounced by Labour in the UK general election, and said he would step down as party leader.

“To the country, I would like to say first and foremost, I am sorry,” he said outside the Prime Minister’s residence at Downing Street, before heading to Buckingham Palace to tender his resignation as prime minister to King Charles III.

“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 judgement that matters.”

“I have heard your anger, your disappointment, and I take responsibility for this loss.”

The EU on Friday congratulated Keir Starmer on Labour’s election win in Britain, with Brussels foreseeing warmer ties with London — though little scope to change existing post-Brexit arrangements.

European Council President Charles Michel called Starmer’s victory “historic”, and stressed the EU and Britain “are crucial partners”.

Britain’s new prime minister has vowed to reduce trade frictions with the European Union, forge closer security arrangements — and relax travel restrictions for touring musicians.

But Starmer is also adamant his government will never reverse Brexit nor seek to be part of the European single market. His slogan is “Make Brexit Work”.

While that necessarily reduces the scope for better dealings, a more cooperative London will be greatly welcomed in Brussels, according to one EU official and one EU diplomat, both speaking on condition of anonymity.

A “return to internationalist policies” from London would be “refreshing”, the EU official said.

“If there is a different approach, one of cooperation and not with a hostile attitude, then things become easier — but not simpler,” the diplomat said.

A record number of around 26 Indian-origin members of Parliament have been elected to the House of Commons in the UK’s general election as results were announced on Friday, with several Conservatives surviving an overall brutal outcome for their party.

Outgoing prime minister Rishi Sunak leads the Tory charge of British Indians holding on to their seats, with a decisive win in his Richmond and Northallerton constituency in Yorkshire. It would have come as small consolation for the Tory leader, who saw his party haemorrhage over 200 seats as the Labour Party’s landslide victory unfolded.

Other prominent British Indian Tories holding on to their seats included former home secretaries, Suella Braverman and Priti Patel, as did Sunak’s Goan-origin Cabinet ally Claire Coutinho. Gagan Mohindra held on to his South West Hertfordshire seat for the Conservatives, with Shivani Raja registering a gain for the party in the keenly watched constituency of Leicester East where she was contesting against fellow Indian-origin Labour candidate Rajesh Agrawal.

They had both canvassed around the topic of saving the city’s famous Diwali lights from being switched off over council budget cuts, as did former MP Keith Vaz who was contesting as an Independent this time.

According to a statement by Buckingham Palace, King Charles III has accepted Rishi Sunak’s resignation, who has now stepped from the the position as the prime minister of the United Kingdom.

“The Right Honourable Rishi Sunak MP had an audience of the King this morning and tendered his resignation as prime minister and First Lord of the Treasury, which his majesty was graciously pleased to accept,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

Sunak has praised Keir Starmer, saying that while Starmer was his political opponent, he will shortly become the prime minister of United Kingdom.

He added that, in this job, Starmer’s successes will be all our successes, and that he wished him and his family well.

Sunak ended his speech by saying that Starmer is a decent, public-spirited man whom he respects.

Rishi Sunak in his speech said that “I have hard your anger, disappointment and I take responsibility for this loss.”

He thanked all Tory candidates and campaigners for their efforts and said that he was “pained” by how many colleagues will no longer sit in the House of Commons.

Rishi Sunak said that he has given this job his all, but the public has sent a clear signal that the government must change.

He also apologised to campaigners who have “worked tirelessly”, saying his party has not delivered.

Rishi Sunak is expected to announce his resignation as prime minister in a concession address outside Downing Street. He will then proceed to the palace to formally hand in his resignation to King Charles.

After that, Keir Starmer will head to the palace, where the monarch will ask him to create the next administration.

With a massive victory of the Labour Party, the United Kingdom has diverged from Europe’s right-wing populist wave. It has handed a significant parliamentary majority to the centre-left Labour Party. The European Union election saw a rightward turn. The Netherlands got a hard-right government. And France is feeling the right-wing pressure as it heads to the polls.

Amid this, the UK’s electoral shift reflects deep-seated economic challenges including bankrupt local governments, crumbling infrastructure, chronic housing shortages, rising homelessness, and a strained National Health Service.

However, despite Labour’s victory, the Conservative Party remains a formidable force, influenced by figures like Nigel Farage of Reform UK. The UK’s economic woes, compounded by high unemployment due to health issues, widespread reliance on Universal Credit, and a stagnant economy, underscore the complex political landscape as the nation navigates a path forward.

Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to @Keir_Starmer on the remarkable victory in the UK general elections. I look forward to our positive and constructive collaboration to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in all areas, fostering mutual…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 5, 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron:

Congratulations Sir @Keir_Starmer on your victory. Pleased with our first discussion.

We will continue the work begun with the UK for our bilateral cooperation, for peace and security in Europe, for the climate and for AI.

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 5, 2024

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen:

Congratulations @Keir_Starmer on your electoral victory.

I look forward to working with you in a constructive partnership to address common challenges and strengthen European security.

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) July 5, 2024

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris:

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

Congratulations to my friend and new UK Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer on his resounding election victory - I look forward to working constructively with the incoming @UKLabour Government

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) July 5, 2024

Congratulations, @Keir_Starmer, on a historic U.K. election victory.

Lots of work ahead to build a more progressive, fair future for people on both sides of the Atlantic. Let’s get to it, my friend. pic.twitter.com/QWlNF9NYcJ

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 5, 2024

Conservative Party leader Suella Braverman, who was fired as UK’s Home Secretary last year, apologised for her party’s performance in the 2024 General Elections despite her victory in the Fareham and Waterlooville seat, which considerably boosted the Tories.

The Liberal Democrats had a record-breaking night, smashing through Conservative heartlands.

Taking the seats of two previous prime ministers, David Cameron and Theresa May, are symbolic triumphs that highlight the depths of unhappiness among long-term Conservative supporters.

Congratulations to @Keir_Starmer and @UKLabour on their convincing election victory.

Ukraine and the United Kingdom have been and will continue to be reliable allies through thick and thin. We will continue to defend and advance our common values of life, freedom, and a…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 5, 2024

I am grateful to my good friend @RishiSunak for the UK government's steadfast support under his leadership. Challenger tanks, Storm Shadow missiles, F-16 training for our pilots, and the first bilateral security cooperation agreement are just a few of our shared achievements that…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 5, 2024

It was expected that the Labour Party would secure a decisive victory in the UK parliamentary election, but it has surpassed expectations with a spectacular win. This outcome marks a significant shift in parliamentary dynamics, granting Labour a substantial majority to govern freely.

Keir Starmer’s leadership has seen an extraordinary turnaround, defying earlier doubts within the party since their defeat in 2019. However, amid this triumph, there remains a complex landscape of voter discontent, evident in support for non-traditional parties like the Greens and Reform UK.

This volatility signals a challenging period ahead, reminding Labour of the electorate’s readiness to demand swift change if expectations are not met.

To know more about what just happened in the UK, catch all the latest updates on UK elections here.

Rishi Sunak has just left the Conservative Party headquarters, greeted with shouts of “it can only get better” as he walks towards Downing Street.

Others were heard saying “the party is over” and “pack your bags” as he entered a vehicle outside the central London offices.

Internal strife among the Conservative factions is being blamed for the downfall of Rishi Sunak and the party’s historic defeat in the 2024 UK election. With the Conservatives losing about 250 seats and Labour gaining more than 210, the impact of factional infighting can hardly be overstated.

The Labour Party has lost at least three seats to pro-Gaza independent candidates. At some other seats, the party faced tough contests in an election that Labour won by stupendous margins.

• Jonathan Ashworth, the party’s shadow Cabinet Office minister, lost his Leicester South seat to the independent Shockat Adam, who declared: “This is for Gaza,” after winning by just under 1,000 votes.
• Labour’s Kate Hollern lost Blackburn, the constituency once held by the former home secretary Jack Straw, by less than 200 votes to the independent Adnan Hussain.
• The party’s Heather Iqbal lost in the Dewsbury and Batley constituency by about 7,000 votes to Iqbal Mohamed.

Downing Street has confirmed that outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will make a statement at about 10:30 a.m.

According to PA Media, he will next head to Buckingham Palace for an encounter with the King, during which he is anticipated to formally present his resignation.

Then Keir Starmer will see the King in the palace. He will be appointed as the country’s next prime minister and tasked with forming an administration.

At roughly 12:20pm, he will be driven to Downing Street to make his first speech to the country as Prime Minister.

No 10 mentioned that the timings are subject to change.