LONDON, July 5 – Britain’s new Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged on Friday to rebuild the country after years of political turmoil under Conservative rule. Starmer, who secured a massive electoral majority, aims to restore trust in politics and reduce political tensions.
Standing outside Number 10 Downing Street, Starmer acknowledged the challenges ahead following Labour’s sweeping victory, which ended 14 years of Conservative governance. He emphasized the need for tangible actions to rebuild public trust in the political system.
“This lack of trust can only be healed by actions, not words. I know that,” Starmer said, promising that his government would serve all citizens, regardless of their voting choices.
Labour’s victory was marked by a historic gain of over 410 seats in the 650-seat parliament, resulting in the resignation of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Starmer formally assumed office after meeting King Charles.
The election results signaled a significant shift in British politics, with the Conservatives suffering their worst defeat in history, losing 250 lawmakers, including several senior ministers and former Prime Minister Liz Truss. Sunak apologized for his party’s failures and pledged to remain Conservative leader until a successor is appointed.
Despite Labour’s substantial win, polls indicated limited enthusiasm for Starmer or his party, achieved partly due to the first-past-the-post system and low voter turnout. Financial markets reacted mildly, with slight increases in the pound, British stocks, and government bonds.
Starmer faces significant challenges, including a high tax burden, rising debt, declining living standards, and strained public services, particularly the National Health Service. Labour has scaled back some ambitious plans, such as green spending pledges, and Starmer has promised not to raise taxes for working people.
He also pledged to end the Conservative policy of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda but will need to address ongoing migrant crossings from France. “Changing a country is not like flicking a switch. It’s hard work. Patient, determined work, and we will have to get moving immediately,” Starmer said.
Starmer’s initial cabinet appointments included Rachel Reeves as the first female finance minister, Angela Rayner as deputy prime minister, and David Lammy as foreign minister, retaining their opposition roles. The election also saw increased support for Nigel Farage’s right-wing Reform party, though the British electorate overall favored a centre-left party for change.
Starmer has committed to improving post-Brexit relations with the European Union, although rejoining the EU is not an option. He has also pledged to maintain strong support for Ukraine against Russia, aligning with many of Sunak’s foreign policies.
