The elected prime minister promised to form a “service government” and spoke of the need to “reset” the people. “No matter how violent the storms, one of the great strengths of this nation has always been its ability to sail into clearer waters.”
Starmer also praised the work and dedication of his predecessor Rishi Sunak. “No one should underestimate his achievements as the country’s first Asian British Prime Minister.”
During the election campaign, Starmer set out six priorities. He promised economic stability, a reduction in NHS waiting lists, stronger policing, a new energy policy, opening up teaching posts and setting up a command centre to boost border security. Asked how he would like to be remembered, he replied: “As someone who had a bold, reformist Labour government. As a great father and friend.”
Starmer will be the first British Labour prime minister in 14 years. The last Conservative to serve as Prime Minister was Gordon Brown, who succeeded Tony Blair and served from June 2007 to May 2010. In the meantime, the United Kingdom has had five Conservative Prime Ministers: David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.
He was previously Attorney General for England and Wales. Keir Starmer, the son of a factory worker and a nurse who also supports the Labour Party, is 61. He was born in London but grew up in Oxted, in southeast England. A law graduate from Leeds University, he entered politics late: he was only elected as an MP in 2015 and replaced Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader in 2020. Since then, he has insisted on moving the party closer to the centre.
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