Sir Keir Starmer has made his first speech as the nation's new prime minister. He said: “Politics can be a force for good. We will show that. We’ve changed the Labour Party, returned it to service, and that is how we will govern. Country first, party second." See our updates below for more.
It comes after Rishi Sunak announced he will step down as Conservative Party leader after devastating election losses. Britain voted last night for a new Labour Government with Sir Keir Starmer winning more than 400 seats.
Conservatives up and down the country lost in their polls, including big names like Penny Mordaunt and Jacob Rees-Mogg. Mr Sunak said to the nation in a speech this morning that he is sorry.
He said: "You have sent a clear signal that the Government of the United Kingdom must change. And yours is the only judgment that matters. I have heard your anger, your disappointment, and I take responsibility for this loss.”
READ MORE: Leicester South shock as Jon Ashworth loses seat and new MP chosen
Mr Sunak announced he would be giving up his position as leader of the party, though he said this would not happen immediately. Instead, he will wait until "formal arrangements for selecting [his] successor are in place."
A Labour win tonight will not come as a shock to anyone who has been paying attention over the last six weeks. But some of the Leicestershire results have been shockers. In the city, Jon Ashworth lost his seat to independent candidate Shockat Adam.
Meanwhile, Leicester East secured its first non-Labour win in 37 years after the Conservatives stormed to victory. They beat out two previous holders of the seat - Claudia Webbe, the incumbent who ran again as an independent this time around, and her predecessor in the role Keith Vaz.
Words like "historic" and "landmark" have been thrown around by those in the political know to describe this year's General Election. Labour is on track for a super-majority, while the Conservative Party is taking huge losses with big names like Penny Mordaunt and Jacob Rees-Mogg ousted from their seats.
Polling in the run up to election night suggested that a number of our 2019 MPs could also lose their seats tonight - including Neil O'Brien who defied expectations to hold on for another term. We also have a brand new constituency - Mid Leicestershire - which has elected its very first parliamentary representative.
Nail-biting stuff! You can find a round up of all the action here.
Key Events
Thanks for joining us
We will now be ending our coverage following a whirlwind 19 hours since the closing of the polls yesterday. Thank you for joining our teams throughout as Leicestershire's political landscape changed drastically.
Liz Kendall position in Labour cabinet revealed
The MP for Leicester West, Liz Kendall, has become the new Secretary of State for Work and Pensions following Labour's historic win. The 53-year-old came to national prominence after running against Jeremy Corbyn for the Labour leadership in 2015, finishing last.
Views on why Jon Ashworth lost the Leicester South seat
Read our new story about people's views from Leicester South by clicking on the link below
What went wrong for Jon Ashworth in Leicester South? Voters give one clear answer
Promise to serve everyone
The new Prime Minister said in his speech earlier: “If you voted Labour yesterday, we will carry the responsibility of your trust as we rebuild our country.
“But whether you voted Labour or not, in fact especially if you did not, I say to you directly, my Government will serve you.
“Politics can be a force for good. We will show that. We’ve changed the Labour Party, returned it to service, and that is how we will govern. Country first, party second.
“Yet if I’m honest, service is merely a precondition of hope. And 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 great strengths of this nation has always been our ability to navigate a way to calmer waters.
“And yet this depends upon politicians, particularly those who stand for stability and moderation as I do, recognising that we must change course.”
Change 'will take a while'
In his speech just now, Sir Keir Starmer said that changing the country “will take a while”, but he vowed to “rebuild Britain”. He said: “Changing a country is not like flicking a switch.
"The world is now a more volatile place. This will take a while.
“But have no doubt that the work of change begins immediately. Have no doubt that we will rebuild Britain, with wealth created in every community.
"Our NHS back on its feet facing the future. Secure borders, safer streets, everyone treated with dignity and respect at work. The opportunity of clean British power, cutting your energy bills for good.
“Brick by brick, we will rebuild the infrastructure of opportunity. The world-class schools and colleges, the affordable homes that I know are the ingredients of hope for working people.
"The security, the working-class families like mine could build their lives around.”
New PM enters 10 Downing Street
The Prime Minster, having completed his speech outside in Downing Street, has entered Number 10 with his wife Victoria to be greeted by Downing Street staff.
The Prime Minister concluded his speech by saying: “Our work is urgent and we begin it today.”
'Our country has voted decisively for change'
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “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.”
Starmer thanks Sunak for his achievements
Sir Keir Starmer said: “I want to thank the outgoing prime minister Rishi Sunak. His achievement as the first British-Asian prime minister of our country, the extra effort that that will have required, should not be underestimated by anyone.
"And we paid tribute to that today. We also recognise the dedication and hard work he brought to his leadership.”
Keir Starmer promises to serve 'nation first' ahead of his party
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “My Government will serve you, politics can be a force for good”, as he addressed the nation from Downing Street for the first time.
He said to people who didn't vote Labour he would serve them, putting the nation ahead of his party, promising to "rebuild Britain".
The new PM arrives at No. 10
Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Lady Victoria arrived in Downing Street to cheers and applause.
The new Prime Minister shook hands with waiting Labour supporters who waved flags.
Keir Starmer arrives at Buckingham Palace
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer swept into Buckingham Palace just after noon in a chauffeur-driven car ahead of becoming the third prime minister of the King’s reign.
Sir Keir was joined by his wife Lady Victoria Starmer, who works in occupational health for the NHS, and the couple were welcomed by the King and Queen’s principal private secretary Sir Clive Alderton.
Also there to greet the politician and his wife was Charles’ equerry, Royal Navy Commander William Thornton.
A heavy shower had fallen just before Sir Keir arrived and as he stepped from his car the sun broke through, and he appeared to reference the turn in the weather as Sir Clive looked to the heavens and replied “how about that?”.
Buckingham Palace statement on Mr Sunak
A statement from Buckingham Palace read: “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.”
Rishi Sunak gave his thanks to his family for the “sacrifices they have made”
Delivering his final statement as Prime Minister on Downing Street, he said: “I’d like to thank my colleagues, my Cabinet, the Civil Service, especially here in Downing Street. The team at Chequers, my staff, CCHQ. But, most of all, I’d like to express my gratitude to my wife Akshata and our beautiful daughters. I can never thank them enough for the sacrifices they have made so that I might serve our country.”
Mr Sunak is now at Buckingham Palace for an audience with the King where he will officially end his premiership.
Sunak continued- 'Following this result I will step down as party leader'
Rishi Sunak said: “Following this result I will step down as party leader – not immediately, but once the formal arrangements for selecting my successor are in place. It is important that after 14 years in government the Conservative Party rebuilds, but also that it takes up its crucial role in opposition professionally and effectively.”
Mr Sunak also apologised to Conservative candidates and campaigners, saying: “I’m sorry that we could not deliver what your efforts deserved. It pains me to think how many good colleagues who contributed so much to their communities and our country will now no longer sit in the House of Commons. I thank them for their hard work and their service.”
'I am sorry' - Sunak
Rishi Sunak has said “I am sorry” to the nation as he began his final speech as Prime Minister. After stepping out onto a drizzly Downing Street, he said: “I will shortly be seeing His Majesty the King to offer my resignation as Prime Minister.
“To the country, I would like to say first and foremost, I am sorry. 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. I have heard your anger, your disappointment, and I take responsibility for this loss.”
Rishi Sunak to step down as party leader
Rishi Sunak has made his final speech as prime minister outside No.10 Downing Street this morning. To view his full speech click below:
Hinckley and Bosworth MP 'honoured' to be elected
Conservative Party candidate, Dr Luke Evans, has held onto his seat in the renamed Hinckley and Bosworth constituency. Previously, it was known as simply Bosworth. He said he was "honoured to be trusted" by voters.
Honoured to be trusted again to be Member of Parliament for Hinckley & Bosworth. There is so much more to be done for our area and I am grateful for the chance to continue building on what we have started.
— Dr Luke Evans (@drlukeevans) July 5, 2024
Thank you. I won’t let you down. pic.twitter.com/XibXBrzKcp
Sir Keir Starmer could be briefed today on Britain’s nuclear capabilities
Within hours of entering Downing Street, Sir Keir Starmer will be confronted by probably the most daunting of all his new responsibilities – deciding what should happen if the UK is wiped out in a nuclear attack.
After greeting staff at Number 10, he will be briefed in a secure room by Simon Case, the Cabinet Secretary, and Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the Chief of the Defence Staff, on Britain’s nuclear capabilities and what damage a Trident missile can do.
Leicester East candidate Claudia Webbe reacts to today's results
Former MP for Leicester East, Claudia Webbe, has reacted to this morning's results. She said "it was a privilege to serve".
You may have heard, the Tories gained Leicester East. In reality, this UK general election was about an increase in the share of votes to those, like me, who stood as Independents.
— Claudia Webbe (@ClaudiaWebbe) July 5, 2024
It was a privilege to serve. I’ll continue to use my voice for social justice, equality and peace
The first time in more than 60 years that a knight of the realm has taken office of prime minister
Sir Keir Starmer’s victory in the General Election marks the first time in more than 60 years that a knight of the realm has taken up the office of prime minister. Sir Alec Douglas-Home was the last premier who entered office with a knighthood in 1963, with all others since having received the honour after leaving office.
Jeremy Hunt has left 11 Downing Street for the final time as chancellor
Jeremy Hunt has left 11 Downing Street for the final time as chancellor. The Godalming and Ash MP, who held on to his seat with a majority of fewer than 900 votes, posed for photos with his wife, three children and dog Poppy as he stepped out on to the doorstep shortly before 9:30am.
One reporter shouted “Are you going to run for leader?” but Mr Hunt gave no response.
French president reacts
French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated Sir Keir Starmer. He said: “We will continue the work begun with the UK for our bilateral co-operation, for peace and security in Europe, for the climate and for AI."
'Ukraine and UK are reliable allies'
President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he looks forward to “strengthening the Ukraine-UK partnership” with Sir Keir Starmer as he congratulated the incoming prime minister on his “convincing” election win.
“Ukraine and the United Kingdom have been and will continue to be reliable allies through thick and thin,” he said. “We will continue to defend and advance our common values of life, freedom, and a rules-based international order.
“I wish the incoming government every success both in domestic affairs and in solidifying the UK’s leadership on the world stage.
“I look forward to working closely together on strengthening the Ukraine-UK partnership and restoring international peace and security.”
Cabinet 'to be appointed today'
Sir Keir is expected to appoint his whole Cabinet today, Labour’s national campaign chief has said.
Pat McFadden told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Keir Starmer will get on with appointing his Cabinet, which we expect to be done by the end of today. Certainly the whole Cabinet. That Cabinet will meet tomorrow."
Liberal Democrats to be 3rd biggest party in Westminster
The Liberal Democrats are set to be the 3rd biggest party in Westminster – a position the Lib Dems have not held since 2015.
Leader Ed Davey told voters his MPs “will now work hard to keep that trust with a focus on the issues that matter most to them, most of all the NHS and care”.
He added: “This is a record-breaking night for the Liberal Democrats. We have swept to victory in seats from Land’s End to John O’ Groats. I am humbled by the trust that millions of people across the country have put in us.”
The party currently has 71 seats with six to declare.
Mr Sunak is set to make a statement at about 10.30am, Downing Street has said
Outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to make a statement at about 10.30am, Downing Street has said. He will then travel to Buckingham Palace for an audience with the King, where he is expected to formally tender his resignation.
Then it is Sir Keir Starmer’s turn to see the King at the palace. He will be appointed as the country’s next prime minister and asked to form an administration.
Sir Keir will then be driven to Downing Street to address the nation for the first time as prime minister at around 12.20pm.
Timings are subject to change, No 10 said.
Rishi Sunak defeat means UK will have eight living ex-prime ministers
The UK will have eight living ex-prime ministers for the first time in modern history following Rishi Sunak’s defeat in the General Election.
Mr Sunak will join Liz Truss, Boris Johnson, Theresa May, David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Sir Tony Blair and Sir John Major in what has become a fast-expanding group of former PMs. The number of surviving ex-prime ministers has more than doubled in the past 14 years.
During Mr Brown’s premiership from 2007 to 2010, only three of his predecessors were still alive: Sir Tony, Sir John and Baroness Margaret Thatcher.
The increase reflects both the rapid turnover of prime ministers in recent years and the age of those who have held the office. Of the soon-to-be eight living ex-PMs, three are still under 60: Mr Cameron (57), Ms Truss (48) and Mr Sunak (44).
Two are still below 70: Mr Johnson (60) and Mrs May (67). Sir Tony is 71, Mr Brown is 73 and Sir John is 81.
A record number of female MPs will sit in the House of Commons following the General Election
As of 7.30am today, 261 female MPs had been elected – representing 40% of the Commons – and the number might increase as counts continue across the UK.
The figure passes the previous record of 220 women MPs at the election in 2019.
The number of female MPs has risen at each of the past six elections.
Low national turnout
Turnout at the General Election is on track to be the lowest for more than 20 years.
After 630 of 650 results had been declared, the turnout figure stood at 59.8%.
This compares with an overall turnout of 67.3% at the last election, in 2019.
If the figure stays around 59.8%, it would be the lowest turnout at a general election since 2001, when it was 59.4%.
Does it indicate many Conservative voters were too disillusioned to back the party, but didn't want to support anyone else?
A white van and truck have arrived outside 10 Downing Street...
A white van, with the company name “Euro self drive: van and truck hire”, parked at the side of Number 10. A larger, unbranded white truck has parked in front of the van with its back door open.
We know Sir Keir is keen to get on with it, but we're guessing the vehicles are there to help Mr Sunak move out, rather than Mr Starmer move in.
