Keir Starmer Becomes UK’s New PM
London, The Gulf Observer: Keir Starmer, who led the Labour Party to a historic landslide victory in Britain’s general election, officially assumed office as the new Prime Minister after meeting with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on Friday.
In his inaugural address outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer declared, “Our country has voted decisively for change and a return of politics to public service.” He emphasized that while the journey to transformation has begun, “changing a country is not like flicking a switch,” acknowledging the increasing volatility of the global landscape.
Starmer pledged immediate action to initiate change, although he cautioned that significant progress would take time. He outlined his commitment to addressing the concerns of working-class families, including revitalizing the nation’s struggling healthcare system, securing British borders, and ensuring the provision of schools and affordable housing.
“If I asked you now whether you believed that Britain will be better for your children, I know too many of you will say no — and so my government will fight until you believe again,” Starmer affirmed.
Earlier on Friday, Rishi Sunak resigned as British Prime Minister and announced his decision to step down as leader of the Conservative Party following the party’s heavy defeat to Labour in the general election.
As vote counting from Thursday’s election continues, Labour has secured 412 out of 650 parliamentary seats, while the Conservatives have won 121 seats. This substantial parliamentary majority for Labour signals the end of the Conservatives’ 14-year rule.