General Election 2024 – Labour win majority government

Sir Keir Starmer has said “our work is urgent and we begin it today” as he addressed the nation for the first time after he officially became the prime minister.

Speaking in front of Number 10, Sir Keir added: “Weariness in the heart of the nation – a draining away of the hope, the spirit, the belief in a better future.

“This wound – this lack of trust – can only be healed by actions, not words. I know that. But we can make a start today… public service is a privilege.”

To those who did not vote for the Labour Party, Sir Keir told voters, “my government will serve you”.

Rishi Sunak has resigned as leader of the Conservative Party after Labour won a landslide in the general election, saying “I am sorry”.

Mr Sunak said he would not leave his role immediately.

“I would like to say, first and foremost, I am sorry. I have given this job my all,” he said on the steps of 10 Downing Street.

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

Sir Ed Davey has hailed the Liberal Democrats’ “exceptional” results in the general election as the party won the highest number of seats ever.

When the polls closed on Thursday night it was clear the Lib Dems were on to win many more seats than the 11 seats it had in the last parliament.

However, the exit poll’s prediction of a 61-seat win for the party was surpassed, with 71 seats by 8am.

Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said it was “an exceptional result” and vowed: “This will not be a one off.”