Keir Starmer has become the UK’s newest Labour Prime Minister, and has promised to lead a “government of service” in his first speech outside No. 10 Downing Street. Starmer was praised by his supporters as he made the speech, where he pledged to “navigate away to calmer waters,” rebuild the UK, and restore the trust in politics that had been lost in recent years. He also vowed to put the “ country first” and lead “unburdened by doctrine,” appealing to voters who did not back his party.
Labour’s victory was due to a 20 point drop in Tory support, with the party losing 250 seats and only left with 121, which is a historic low. Its vote share increased by around 2%, and won 412 seats with just two seats remaining. Despite this, the party has yet to reach the historic 179 majority won by Tony Blair in 1997. Labour’s vote increase, however, came only as a result of a 17% increase in support in Scotland. In Scotland, it regained its status as the largest party, as the Scottish National Party slumped from 48 to just nine seats.
Labour’s campaign focused on boosting the UK’s economic growth, largely through changes to the planning system, attracting inward investment, and becoming more attractive to businesses. However, the party is well-aware of the incredible challenges facing public finances, and has promised to overhaul employment law, renationalised nearly all passenger rail, invest in green energy, and set up a state-owned energy investment and generation company.
Following his audience with the King at Buckingham Palace, Starmer is expected to begin appointing his cabinet on Friday afternoon. The new cabinet will meet for the first time on Saturday
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