UK Election Results 2024 Live Updates: In first speech, PM Keir Starmer says Britain must rediscover its identity, appoints top team

Jeremy Corbyn, re-elected as an independent MP for Islington North, has downplayed Labour’s general election victory, suggesting it’s “more about the destruction of the Tory Party” than a significant win for Labour, as reported by the BBC.

Corbyn said, “I think the result for Labour is not exactly the resounding win that would be indicated by the seats. In fact, the vote share has gone up by a tiny amount since 2019, and the popular vote is less than in the last two general elections.”

He continued, “The results are much more about the destruction of the Tory Party than anything else.” Corbyn also expressed concerns about the new government’s ability to implement economic changes, saying, “I’m not sure they haven’t boxed themselves in, so they can’t make the changes that the country needs.”

Corbyn believes Labour’s win is more a consequence of the Conservative Party’s decline rather than a resounding endorsement of Labour’s policies.

In a significant development, the new UK government has taken steps to repair relations with Ireland, marking a departure from the tensions that arose in the aftermath of the Brexit referendum. This shift is evident in the cordial phone conversation between Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Irish counterpart Simon Harris, who has accepted an invitation to visit Downing Street within the next two weeks.

Moreover, Irish Foreign Minister Michéal Martin and new Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn have pledged to collaborate on a 'path forward' regarding investigations into killings during the Northern Ireland conflict, a contentious issue that previously saw Dublin at odds with the Conservative government's proposed amnesty for suspects.

This early diplomatic gesture indicates a concerted effort to rebuild bridges and revitalize the historic  British-Irish relationship.

What happens when a new Prime Minister arrives at Dowing Street?

As Sir Keir Starmer takes on the role of running the country, he also has the task of unpacking bags, moving his family in, and turning a historic political residence into a comfortable family home.

This isn't easy, especially since the residence has housed many different families over the years.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced today that junior doctors in England will begin talks with the government next week to resolve their strike.In his statement, Streeting said, "I have just spoken with the BMA ( British Medical Association) junior doctors committee, and I can announce that talks to end their strike will start next week. I have spoken to the BMA junior doctors committee, and can announce that talks to end their industrial action will begin next week. 

I have spoken to the BMA junior doctors committee, and can announce that talks to end their industrial action will begin next week.

We promised to get negotiations up and running and that is what we are doing.

My statement- https://t.co/QYLLxKRgDt

— Wes Streeting MP (@wesstreeting) July 5, 2024

We promised during the campaign to begin negotiations urgently, and we're doing just that."Health leaders are urging the government to resolve the dispute urgently after a recent strike led to the postponement of tens of thousands of appointments. Junior doctors in the NHS went on strike for five days starting June 27, resulting in 61,989 appointments, procedures, and operations being delayed, according to NHS England. This strike was the 11th by junior doctors in 20 months.

The junior doctors are asking for a 35% pay rise to address a 26.2% drop in the value of their salaries since 2008-09. Streeting has previously stated, "I would not meet the 35% demand, as any trade union worth their salt would return the following year with the same request." He also mentioned that there is "space for a discussion" on pay and improving working conditions for junior doctors, as reported by The Guardian.

The Labour Party triumphed in the United Kingdom’s general elections on Friday, July 5, with Keir Starmer becoming the new Prime Minister. Labour secured an impressive 412 out of 650 seats in the House of Commons, delivering the Conservatives their worst defeat in about a century.

After 14 years under Conservative rule, marked by a cost of living crisis, rising inflation, Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and an energy crisis, Starmer faces significant challenges. Despite this, he is already credited with revitalizing Labour's electoral prospects over his four-year leadership.

Read here to find out What he mean for the people

Britain's newly appointed health secretary, Wes Streeting, announced plans to hold discussions next week with junior doctors to halt their ongoing strike. The British Medical Association (BMA), representing approximately 50,000 junior doctors, had planned a five-day strike just before the July 4 national election due to a pay dispute. 

Streeting confirmed talks would commence following a phone call with the BMA's junior doctors committee, aiming to resolve the issue. The strikes have exacerbated strain on the National Health Service (NHS), already grappling with a backlog of over 7 million patients awaiting treatment, resulting in numerous cancelled appointments and procedures.

The White House has announced that President Joe Biden has spoken with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, reaffirming the “special relationship” between the US and the UK.

“They reiterated their ongoing support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia's relentless aggression,” the statement read.

“They confirmed their shared commitment to upholding the achievements of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and collaborating with Northern Ireland’s leaders to foster economic growth and opportunities.”

“The President looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Starmer to the Washington summit next week to celebrate NATO’s 75th anniversary.”

On his first diplomatic trip as UK Prime Minister, Starmer is scheduled to attend the NATO leaders’ summit, beginning on Tuesday, accompanied by Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defence Secretary John Healey. He will meet with other Western leaders to reaffirm the UK’s support for Ukraine. However, The Telegraph reports that Starmer is likely to miss the first day of the summit due to a swearing-in ceremony for new MPs at the House of Commons.

During his round of calls this evening, the new Prime Minister also spoke with the first ministers of Scotland and Wales, as well as the first minister and deputy first minister of Northern Ireland.

"We are renewing our relationship and collaborating to unite our country," his office announced on X.

Keir Starmer, following Labour's election victory, visited Buckingham Palace for an audience with King Charles. The king formally tasked Starmer with forming a new government, marking the official appointment of Starmer as the new prime minister. This video footage of their meeting was publicly released on the day of Starmer's election, a first for such immediate public access.

Turnout at the UK general election is on track to be the lowest in over 20 years, according to the PA news agency. With 649 out of 650 results declared, the turnout stands at 59.8%, a notable drop from 67.3% in the 2019 election. This marks the lowest turnout since 2001, which saw 59.4%, the lowest since before World War II. The final turnout will be confirmed on Saturday morning when the last result is declared for Inverness, Skye & West Ross-shire.

Possible factors for the low turnout include stricter voter ID rules, predictions of a large Labour majority, and general political fatigue and distrust.

Newly-appointed Prime Minister Keir Starmer has had a congratulatory call with US President Joe Biden, according to the White House. 

White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre stated that President Biden expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Starmer. 

"This is a special relationship between our countries, and the president conveyed that he looks forward to working closely with the prime minister on the full range of critical issues that the United States and the United Kingdom are engaged on," she said.

Lucy Powell has been appointed Lord President of the Council and leader of the House of Commons.

Baroness Smith of Basildon has been appointed Lord Privy Seal and leader of the House of Lords.

Diane Abbott has been elected as the Mother of the House in the new parliament, a title bestowed upon the longest-serving female MP. Following a challenging period, Abbott secured reelection in the Hackney North and Stoke Newington constituency during the 2024 general election, capturing 60% of the vote share. 

Having made history as the first black woman elected to the House of Commons in 1987, the 70-year-old Abbott's achievement was celebrated by the Fawcett Society, a charity dedicated to gender equality and women's rights, which hailed her as a "trailblazer". 

Previously held by Labour stalwart Harriet Harman, who did not seek reelection after a distinguished four-decade tenure, the title underscores Abbott's significant role in parliamentary history.

And the list of top job gets longer:

Liz Kendall - Work and pensions secretary

Jonathan Reynolds - Business and trade secretary

Peter Kyle - Science, innovation and technology secretary

Louise Haigh - Transport secretary

Steve Reed - Environment, food and rural affairs secretary

Lisa Nandy - Culture secretary

Hilary Benn - Northern Ireland secretary

Ian Murray - Scottish secretary

Jo Stevens - Welsh secretary

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed David Lammy as the new Foreign Secretary as he begins forming a Labour Party government following a decisive victory in the general election. Lammy, a 51-year-old Labour politician and lawyer, known for advocating strong bilateral ties with India, expressed his intention to visit India within the first month of office if elected.

In response, India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, referring to Lammy as a "friend," welcomed the prospect, emphasizing continued engagement to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Reflecting on his appointment, Lammy stated, "It is the honor of my life to be appointed Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs." He underscored the UK's strengths in navigating global challenges and pledged to reconnect Britain for security and prosperity.

Addressing stalled trade negotiations, Lammy highlighted the urgency of finalizing the India-UK free trade agreement, emphasizing Labour's readiness to proceed. He positioned India as a priority, describing it as an economic, technological, and cultural superpower. Lammy emphasized shifting away from outdated approaches, expressing commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and advocating for a rules-based order.

He concluded with a focus on enhancing the security partnership with India, spanning military cooperation, maritime security, cyber technologies, and supply chain security. Lammy reiterated Labour's commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation beyond trade, aiming for a comprehensive relationship with India across various domains.

Reform UK has secured victory in Basildon South and East Thurrock following a recount, taking the seat from a projected Conservative candidate.

James McMurdock's win in the Essex constituency gives Nigel Farage's party five MPs in the House of Commons.

McMurdock clinched the seat with a narrow majority of only 98 votes over Labour candidate Jack Ferguson.

Only one seat remains to be confirmed, with the result in Inverness, Skye, and West Ross-shire anticipated tomorrow due to a vote discrepancy causing delays.

Kwasi Kwarteng, who served as chancellor during Liz Truss's brief premiership, acknowledges "some responsibility" for the Conservatives' election loss, BBC reported. However, he disclaims responsibility for the party's campaign strategy or the timing of the election.

Regarding Truss losing her seat last night, Kwarteng commented that "politics is brutal," noting a perceived issue that she "wasn't spending enough time in her constituency."

On a personal level, Kwarteng anticipates it will be "really really difficult" for Truss, but describes her as "very resilient" and expects her to "bounce back."

When asked about the future of the Conservative Party, Kwarteng believes "I think it can" survive, noting that having 121 MPs forms a foundational base from which the party can rebuild".

While we await further cabinet announcements, we're also still waiting for the results in two constituencies to be declared.

In South Basildon and East Thurrock, a recount has been ongoing since 14:00 BST (18:30 IST), with the result expected to be announced shortly.

Meanwhile, in Inverness, Skye, and West Ross-shire, a result is not anticipated until tomorrow due to delays related to vote discrepancies.

In the last hour, we've seen several appointments to  Keir Starmer's new cabinet.

Here's who have got the top jobs so far:

Angela Rayner - Deputy prime minister and secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities

Rachel Reeves - Chancellor

David Lammy - Foreign secretary

Yvette Cooper - Home secretary

John Healey - Defence secretary

Shabana Mahmood - Justice secretary

Wes Streeting - Health secretary

Bridget Phillipson - Education secretary

Ed Miliband - Energy secretary

Pat McFadden- Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Starmer is appointing his Cabinet on Friday after winning a landslide election victory.

David Lammy has been named Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper appointed as Home Secretary, while John Healey is now the Defence Secretary.

Meanwhile, Pat McFadden has been appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. This means he is the most senior minister in the Cabinet Office after the Prime Minister.

Rachel Reeves has just been appointed as the UK's first female chancellor, according to a report by BBC.

According to the latest reports, Angela Rayner has just been confirmed as Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities, the position she shadowed while in opposition.

The United Kingdom is set to see the Labour Party come to power after 14 years of Conservative rule, winning 412 seats compared to the Tories' 121 with results declared in 648 out of 650 seats. 

However, a closer look at the numbers indicates that the result is in no way a glowing endorsement of Labour under Keir Starmer. Here is why.

1. Labour's Victory and Anti-Conservative Vote: Labour Party wins 412 seats against the Conservatives' 121, marking an end to 14 years of Conservative rule. This result is driven more by anti-Conservative sentiment than strong support for Labour, with Labour's voteshare increasing only by 1.7% to 33.9%.

2. Low Voter Turnout and Modest Gains: Voter turnout was below 60%, translating Labour's voteshare to support from roughly one in five voters. Labour actually received fewer total votes than in 2019, when it suffered a historic defeat.

3. Impact of Reform Party: The Reform Party, led by Nigel Farage, won four seats and secured 14.3% of the voteshare, significantly impacting Conservative votes and contributing to Labour's gains in traditional Tory areas.

4. Losses in Traditional Strongholds: While Labour made gains in former Conservative strongholds and Scotland, it saw significant losses in urban areas and traditional Labour strongholds. Starmer's centrist policies have alienated traditional Labour voters, leading to defeats in inner city and progressive areas.

5. Starmer's Unimpressive Performance: Keir Starmer's performance in his own constituency was lackluster, with a significant drop in voteshare and turnout compared to 2019. Despite winning, his position is precarious, and he faces the challenge of delivering on his promise of change to maintain Labour's support.

Read the full explainer HERE

Top Cabinet Positions

- Angela Rayner is confirmed as Deputy Prime Minister and will also serve as Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
- Rachel Reeves is expected to continue as Shadow Chancellor and become Chancellor.
- Yvette Cooper is likely to remain as Shadow Home Secretary and become Home Secretary.
- Ed Miliband, who previously served as Labour leader, is tipped to become Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.

Other Notable Appointments

- David Lammy is the current Shadow Foreign Secretary, but there are rumors he may be replaced.
- Wes Streeting, the Shadow Health Secretary, is expected to take on the Health brief in government.
- Louise Haigh, a former trade unionist with brightly dyed hair, could be in line for a senior role.

More future cabinet ministers are beginning to arrive now, with Shabana Mahmood, John Healy, Wes Streeting, Rachel Reeves, Pat McFadden, David Lammy, Yvette Cooper, Bridget Phillipson, Peter Kyle, and Anneliese Dodds having just walked through the black No 10 door.

Shabana Mahmood, John Healy, and Wes Streeting, if they continue to hold their shadow cabinet positions, are likely to become the new justice, defence, and health secretaries, respectively. Rachel Reeves, the likely future chancellor, has just arrived to see the prime minister. While there are no guarantees she becomes Keir Starmer's new neighbour in Downing Street, it would be quite the turn of events if she was not given the keys to the Treasury.

Pat McFadden, one of Keir Starmer's staunchest allies and key architects of the Labour campaign, arrived just ahead of her. He's the second senior Labour politician to visit Starmer in his new home, which says a lot about his significance to the new prime minister.

David Lammy, who was shadow foreign secretary in opposition, has arrived at No 10 to see his boss. Yvette Cooper is the latest senior Labour politician to head in to see Keir Starmer, looking set to become the next home secretary. Bridget Phillipson, Peter Kyle, and Anneliese Dodds have also gone in, having served as shadow education secretary, science minister, and chair of the Labour Party respectively before the election.

Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, is about to give a speech in Westminster. As he began, a heckler interrupted him and had to be escorted out, according to a report by The Guardian.

Now, a second protester is causing a disturbance. "Boring," Farage shouts repeatedly. He remarks that this will be good preparation for the barracking he expects to face in the Commons.

Angela Rayner has just been filmed walking up Downing Street ahead of the announcement of Sir Keir Starmer's cabinet. She is the first Labour MP to arrive at Downing Street today and is expected to be confirmed as Deputy Prime Minister.

Since this morning, significant political changes have unfolded in the UK. Sir Keir Starmer has become the new Prime Minister, taking over from Rishi Sunak after Labour's overwhelming victory over the Conservatives in the latest elections.

The transition of power began with Sunak delivering a speech accepting responsibility for the Tories' worst electoral performance in modern times. He then proceeded to Buckingham Palace to submit his resignation to the King. Shortly after, Starmer visited the Palace, where he was officially invited by the monarch to form a new government. He then addressed a crowd of supporters in Downing Street, declaring, "The work of change begins immediately" in his first speech as Prime Minister.

Labour's victory is historic, with the party winning a record number of seats, nearing the all-time high achieved under Tony Blair in 1997. With nearly all constituencies counted, Labour now holds 412 seats. 

In the wake of the Conservative defeat, internal blame and discussions are rampant, especially as prominent figures, including former Prime Minister Liz Truss, lost their seats. This marks a significant shift as Truss served as prime minister less than two years ago.

Other political parties also saw notable successes. The Liberal Democrats, Reform UK, and the Greens all achieved their best-ever results, securing 71, four, and four Westminster seats, respectively. Conversely, the SNP experienced a challenging night in Scotland, winning only nine seats compared to 48 in 2019.

The first pictures of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his wife, Victoria, entering 10 Downing Street, their new home, have just been released.

Keir Starmer has just delivered his first speech as Prime Minister. Here's a quick summary:

"The work of change begins immediately," he announced from a lectern on Downing Street, although he admitted that change would not be as simple as "flicking a switch."

Citing the need for improved schools and affordable housing, Starmer promised to "rebuild" the country's "infrastructure of opportunity," doing so "brick by brick."

He pledged to lead a "government of service" and emphasized the need for a national "reset."

The new Prime Minister also addressed the "challenges of an insecure world."

Starmer's debut on Downing Street follows his official invitation by the King to form a new government after leading Labour to a landslide election victory following a collapse in the Tory vote.

He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Rishi Sunak, acknowledging his work as the first British Asian Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to lead a “government of service” on a “mission of national renewal.”

Starmer acknowledged in his first speech outside 10 Downing St. that many people are disillusioned and cynical about politics.

But he said his government would try to restore faith in government.

He said that “brick by brick, we will rebuild the infrastructure of opportunity.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer in his first address outside 10 Downing Street pledged to restore trust in politics and serve all citizens.

"My government will fight every day until you believe again. From now on, you have a government unburdened by doctrine, guided only by the determination to serve your interest. To quietly defy those who have written our country off."

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

In his first address outside 10 Downing Street, new Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need for Britain to rediscover its identity.

"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," he stated. "This depends upon politicians, particularly those who stand for stability and moderation, as I do."

Keir Starmer has arrived at Downing Street for the first time as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

He and his wife, Victoria Starmer, arrived by car shortly after meeting with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.

Keir Starmer is now delivering a speech outside No. 10 Downing Street.

Downing Street is lined with Labour Party supporters who cheered his arrival, waving small Union Jack flags.

WATCH LIVE: Keir Starmer’s first speech as Prime Minister. https://t.co/GuYVhkcCxt

— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) July 5, 2024

In his first speech as British PM, Keir Starmer referred to politics as public service. He said the country needs a bigger reset and his party will recreate Britain. "Have no doubt work of change begins immediately," he said. 

Britain's King Charles has asked Labour leader Keir Starmer to form a new government, Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Friday, following Labour's landslide election victory. 

Britain's Keir Starmer arrived at Buckingham Palace on Friday for King Charles to formally appoint him prime minister, after his Labour Party won with a landslide election victory. 

The recriminations and jostling for top positions among Britain's Conservative lawmakers began long before Thursday's crushing election defeat to Labour that some party figures said left the party facing the prospect of a decade out of power.

After 14 years in government - the last eight marked by chaos and divisions following the Brexit vote - the Conservatives are now confronted by an internal struggle among lawmakers, grassroots members and donors over whether to move further to the right or turn back to the centre.

Keir Starmer's Labour Party won Thursday's election by a landslide, achieving a massive majority in parliament, while the Conservatives suffered the worst performance in the party's long history, due to anger over a drop in living standards and the resurgence of the right-wing Reform UK party.

Reuters spoke to 20 politicians, party members and strategists who said the expected resignation of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as Conservative leader would trigger a battle among the institutions that underpin the party - with the right-wing media, financial backers, think tanks and vocal members all wanting a say.

Power is poised to change hands in Westminster with a landslide win for the Labour party in the general elections. In a year where several elections globally have delivered surprising verdicts, the British public have stuck firmly with the consistent trends flagged by opinion polls. After 14 years in government, the public turned on the Tory party in no uncertain fashion. Labour returns to office with its first general election win in 19 years. Keir Starmer deserves plaudits for turning around the fortunes of a party that seemed in doldrums not so long ago. His challenge will lie in articulating a positive vision for the future amid sluggish economic productivity and tightened finances. Read More 

Britain's Labour Party suffered significant election setbacks in areas with large Muslim populations on Friday amid discontent over its position on the war in Gaza, despite a landslide victory in the parliamentary vote.

The party, which has long counted on the backing of Muslim and other minority groups, saw its vote fall on average by 10 points in seats where more than 10% of the population identify as Muslim.

Jonathan Ashworth, who had been expected to serve in Keir Starmer's Labour government, lost his seat to independent Shockat Adam, one of at least four pro-Gaza candidates to win. Several other Labour candidates came close to losing. 'This is for the people of Gaza,' Adam said, holding up a Palestinian keffiyeh scarf at the end of his acceptance speech on winning in the Leicester South constituency.

Pro-Gaza independents also won in Blackburn, and Dewsbury & Batley, beating Labour into second in both. Labour also failed to win in Islington North, where its former leader, veteran left-winger and ardent pro-Palestinian activist Jeremy Corbyn won as an independent.

While Labour has said it wants the fighting in Gaza to stop, it has also backed Israel's right to defend itself, angering some among the 3.9 million Muslims who make up 6.5% of Britain's population.

Starmer has faced criticism for only gradually shifting towards calling for a ceasefire. While the party has committed to recognising a Palestinian state, it has not set out a definitive timetable for doing so.

A Savanta poll last month found that 44% of Muslim voters ranked the conflict as one of the top five issues and, of those, 86% said they would consider backing an independent running on the issue. 'The Muslim Vote' campaign called on voters to pick pro-Palestine candidates running as independents or from smaller parties like the left-wing Workers Party, which put up over 150 candidates. There were 230 more independent candidates than at the last election in 2019.

The Workers Party's outspoken leader George Galloway won a by-election in March for a vacant parliamentary seat in Rochdale, which has a big Muslim population, after Labour withdrew support from its candidate over a recording espousing conspiracy theories about Israel.

Labour won the seat back from Galloway on Friday.

Other Labour lawmakers only just held on to their seats, as they were challenged by pro-Gaza candidates.

Wes Streeting, Labour's health chief and a senior member of the party, won by just 528 votes over British-Palestinian Leanne Mohamad in Ilford North.

Jess Philipps beat the Workers Party candidate Jody McIntyre by just 693 votes and then struggled to give a speech amid booing and jeering by pro-Palestinian activists.

Philipps was one of several of leader Keir Starmer's 'shadow cabinet' to leave their high-profile policy roles over the party's Gaza policies. Reuters 

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak departed from Buckingham Palace following his resignation as prime minister late Friday morning, after the Conservative Party suffered staggering losses in the general election.

He left 10 Downing Street after giving his final speech as prime minister, hours suffering a landslide defeat by the left-of-center Labour Party, which will form a government for the first time in 14 years. Sunak said earlier that he took responsibility for his party’s loss, and that he had called Labour leader Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory.Voters in the U.K. cast their ballots Thursday in a national election to choose the 650 lawmakers who will sit in Parliament for the next five years. With almost all results counted, Labour, led by Starmer, has gained at least 400 seats in Parliament. After more than a decade in power under five different prime ministers, Sunak ’s Conservatives are set to have their seats in the 650-seat House of Commons cut down to around 130. That would be the Tories’ worst result in the party’s two-century history and one that would leave the party in disarray. 

Outgoing British prime minister Rishi Sunak on Friday said he will step down as the leader of the Conservative Party, taking “responsibility” for its debacle in the general election, and reflected upon the Diwalis he was able to celebrate with his family on Downing Street as the country's first leader of Indian heritage.

“One of the most remarkable things about Britain is just how unremarkable it is that two generations after my grandparents came here with little I could become prime minister, and that I could watch my two young daughters light Diwali candles on the steps at Downing Street. We must hold true to that idea of who we are," he said. 

“That vision of kindness, decency and tolerance that has always been the British way. This is a difficult day, at the end of a number of difficult days. But 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 our achievements, our strengths and our greatness," he said. 

Keir Starmer's Labour party secured a remarkable election victory, winning over 400 seats and forming a comfortable majority government. Labour's share of the vote increased by 4.2 percentage points to 36.3%, while the Conservatives suffered a catastrophic collapse, polling just 22.3% - a 20-point drop from 2019. In several constituencies, Labour gained seats on swings of over 20 percentage points, including a 16.4-point swing in South Swindon. This would be the biggest swing to a winning party since World War II, signaling a decisive rejection of the Conservatives' recent leadership and policies.

The Decline of the Scottish Nationalists
The Scottish National Party (SNP), which had dominated Scottish politics for over a decade, suffered a significant setback. The party, which had won 48 seats in 2019, was forecast to win just 8 seats this time around. Labour, in contrast, gained 35 seats in Scotland, including every seat in Glasgow. This comprehensive defeat of the SNP's independence movement pushes the issue into the background for now, dealing a blow to the party's aspirations.

The Rise of the Hard-Right
Nigel Farage's pro-Brexit, anti-immigration Reform UK party managed to win 4 seats, creating a small but potentially influential bloc in the Westminster parliament. While this was lower than initial projections, the party also came second in dozens of seats, particularly in areas that had previously supported Brexit. This suggests that Reform UK could pose a challenge to Labour in future elections should Starmer's party falter.

1. Outgoing Conservative leader Rishi Sunak has announced his resignation, but will only step down once a successor is in place.

2. He has accepted responsibility for the party's poor electoral performance, apologizing to the country.

3. Sunak highlighted the economic and social progress made by the Conservatives during their 14 years in government.

4. The departing leader paid tribute to his rival, the incoming Prime Minister Keir Starmer, describing him as a "decent, public-spirited man" whose successes will benefit the country.

5. The outgoing Prime Minister has now formally met with the King to resign from his position.

Rishi Sunak has reached Buckingham Palace where he will tender his resignation to King Charles.

#WATCH | Outside 10, Downing Street, outgoing UK PM Rishi Sunak says, "...This is a difficult day at the end of a number of difficult days. This is the best country in the world and it is thanks entirely to you, the British people..."

(Source: Reuters) pic.twitter.com/YGbyNVx79c

— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2024

In his final remarks outside the official residence, Sunak said,“This is a difficult day, but I leave this job honored to have been prime minister of the best country in the world.”

Sunak had conceded defeat earlier in the morning, saying the voters had delivered a “sobering verdict.”In a magnanimous farewell speech, Sunak wished Starmer all the best: “Whatever our differences in this campaign, he is a decent public-spirited man who I respect.”With almost all the results in, Labour had won 410 seats in the 650-seat House of Commons and the Conservatives 118.

Britain's Rishi Sunak said he would meet King Charles to formally resign as prime minister on Friday and would also stand down as leader of the defeated Conservative Party after Keir Starmer's Labour Party won a landslide election victory.

"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 judgment that matters," Sunak said in a speech to voters outside the prime minister's office in Downing Street.

"I have heard your anger, your disappointment and I take responsibility for this loss. To all the Conservative candidates and campaigners who worked tirelessly, but without success, I'm sorry that we could not deliver what your efforts deserved." 

"Thank you Rishi Sunak for your admirable leadership of the UK, and your active contribution to deepen the ties between India and the UK during your term in office. Best wishes to you and your family for the future," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X.Rishi Sunak whose Conservative Party lost, but he secured 47.5 per cent of the vote in his Richmond and Northallerton constituency in northern England, winning by a narrower margin than expected.This victory was a relief for him, given his concerns about retaining the seat. However, his acceptance speech was sombre, acknowledging the overall loss of his party.

In the historic UK elections, the Labour Party has won some 410 seats, an increase of 210, while the Conservatives, the western world's most successful party, lost about 250 lawmakers, including a record number of senior ministers and former Prime Minister Liz Truss.

Sunak conceded defeat and will meet King Charles later to formally resign before Starmer is appointed in his place.

"Today power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner, with goodwill on all sides," Sunak said. "There is much to learn and reflect on and I take responsibility for the loss to the many good hardworking Conservative candidates ... I am sorry."

Despite his convincing victory, polls have suggested there is little enthusiasm for Starmer or his party. Thanks to the quirk of Britain's first past the post system and a low turnout, Labour's triumph was achieved with fewer votes than it secured in 2017 and 2019 - the latter its worst result for 84 years.

After seven unsuccessful attempts, Nigel Farage, a former Member of the European Parliament, won in Westminster, marking a notable achievement for his Reform UK party.

Farage won over Conservative candidate Giles Watling, who had represented the coastal constituency in Essex since 2017. Farage garnered 21,225 votes to Watling’s 12,820, achieving a majority of 8,405. In his victory speech at a leisure centre in the seaside town, Farage announced that his party would now be targeting the Labour Party. “We are coming for Labour … be in no doubt about that,” he declared, according to The Guardian’s report. Continue reading

Keir Starmer, the newly elected Labour Prime Minister, will meet King Charles at Buckingham Palace before giving a speech in Downing Street at around 1120 GMT (4:50?pm IST). Outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will make a statement in Downing Street at around 0930 GMT (3 pm IST) before formally resigning to King Charles, following the Labour Party's landslide election victory.

Labour has secured victory in 410 constituencies, earning a 33.9% share of the vote, according to results from 641 constituencies declared so far, The Guardian reported. 

The Conservatives have won 119 seats, garnering 23.7% of the vote.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats have emerged victorious in 71 constituencies with a 12.3% share of the total vote, while Reform UK has secured 14.3% of the vote, translating to wins in four seats.

The SNP has captured eight seats, Plaid Cymru holds four, Sinn Féin has secured seven, and the DUP also has four seats. The SDLP has gained two seats, with Alliance securing one. The UUP has also secured a seat. The Green Party of England and Wales has obtained 6.8% of the vote, resulting in four seats.

Sinn Fein became Northern Ireland's largest party in the British parliament for the first time, capitalizing on a poor election for its main unionist rival, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

He retained its seven seats from the last election, while the DUP dropped from eight to four seats.

This marked Sinn Fein's continued success after becoming the first nationalist party to win the most seats at the regional assembly in 2022 and at local council polls in 2023.

Despite their victory, Sinn Fein maintains a policy of not taking up its seats in Westminster.

The 14-year rule of Conservatives is coming to an end. Here are some key moments from their regime: 

In 2010, the election saw a hung Parliament, with Tory leader David Cameron winning most seats but not an overall majority. It had defeated Labour Party, which had been in power since 1997.

In 2014, a referendum had threatened to split the UK. However, Scotland voted 55%-45% against independence in a victory for Cameron.

In 2016, there was the historic Brexit vote. The Brits voted 52%-48% to leave the EU, ending a more than 40-year union and plunging the country into its biggest political crisis since World War Two. 

Cameron had then resigned with Theresa May succeeding him.

In 2020, Brext deal passed through Parliament and Britain exited EU on January 31.

In July 2022, Boris Johnson was ousted over a long list of scandals and missteps surrounding the Covid pandemic.

In May 2022, Rishi Sunak became prime minister as Liz Truss stepped down after a short six-week stint.

-- with AP inputs

In one of the biggest setbacks to the Conservatives, former Prime Minister Liz Truss lost from the party bastion South West Norfolk — a seat she has held since 2010.

Appointed as the PM in September 2022, Truss resigned from the post just six weeks after, saying she had lost the faith of her party.

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn retained his Islington North seat as an independent, despite being expelled from the Labour Party.

Corbyn won with 24,120 votes, defeating Labour's candidate Praful Nargund, who received 16,873 votes. Corbyn has served the ward since 1983 and stood as an independent candidate after his suspension from Labour in 2020.

Despite a reduced majority compared to the 2019 election, he successfully defended his seat.

United Kingdom’s Labour Party leader Keir Starmer, who is on course to be the new prime minister, thanked British people and said the country has to “return politics to public service”. He also said the people are ready for change and ending the politics of performance.

“The fight for trust is the battle that defines our age. It is why we’ve campaigned so hard on demonstrating we are fit for public service. We have to return politics to public service. Show that politics can be a force for good,” Starmer in his acceptance speech after the current UK PM Rishi Sunak conceded defeat.