Keir Starmer takes charge as UK PM, says ’work of change begins immediately’, lauds Rishi Sunak for ’extra effort’

Keir Starmer took over as the Prime Minister of UK on Friday and vowed to ‘deliver change’ in the coming years. The Labour party chief also lauded his predecessor Rishi Sunak's 'extra effort' behind being the country's first British Asian leader.

“You have given us clear mandate and we will use it to deliver change… and unite our country…Changing country is not like flicking switch but have no doubt that the work of change begins now. I invite you all to join this government of service in mission of national renewal,” he urged.

The Labour party ended 14 years of Conservative rule this week after securing a landslide election win. The Rishi Sunak-led Tories delivered their worst ever performance this year — garnering a mere 121 seats in the 650 seat House of Commons.

“It is surely clear to everyone that our country needs a bigger reset, a rediscovery of who we are, because no matter how fierce the storms of history, one of the greatest strengths of this nation has always been our ability to navigate a way to calmer waters,” Starmer added.

Starmer also met with King Charles on Friday afternoon for a ceremonial arrangement that saw King Charles III formally asked him to form a new government. The process begins with the outging Prime Minister — Rishi Sunak in this case — travelling to Buckingham Palace and tending his resignation to the king. Following this, the incoming leader — Sir Keir Starmer in 2024 — arrives for his first audience with the monarch.

“The King received in Audience The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP today and requested him to form a new Administration. Sir Keir accepted His Majesty's offer and was appointed Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury,” read an update shared on X by The Royal Family.

(With inputs from agencies)