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UK Election highlights: Keir Starmer appoints David Lammy as foreign secretary

UK Election highlights: New prime minister Keir Starmer pledged to lead a government focused on serving the nation, renewing trust in government.
Key Events
UK Election highlights: Britain's Labour Party Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria enter 10 Downing Street in London, Friday, July 5, 2024.
UK Election highlights: Britain's Labour Party Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria enter 10 Downing Street in London, Friday, July 5, 2024.

UK Election highlights: Buckingham Palace announced on Friday that Labour leader Keir Starmer has been invited by King Charles to establish a new government, following Labour's huge election victory. Former prime minister Rishi Sunak left Buckingham Palace after resigning as Britain's prime minister following a historic defeat for the Conservatives. After Sunak resignation, Labour leader Keir Starmer went to the palace to seek the King's approval to form a government....Read More

Rishi Sunak conceded the Conservative Party's defeat in the 2024 general election on Friday and congratulated Labour Party Prime Minister candidate Keir Starmer following the election loss.

Britain’s Labour Party is poised for a landslide victory in the parliamentary election held on Thursday. As of 7.05 am (UK local time), the Labour Party led by Keir Starmer has won 407 seats and crossed the majority mark of 326 seats to form the government.

The poll, released just after voting ended, suggested that centre-left Labour leader Keir Starmer would be the next prime minister. He will face an electorate eager for change amid economic struggles, increasing distrust in institutions, and a fraying social fabric.

As thousands of electoral staff tallied millions of ballot papers at counting centres across the country, the Conservatives absorbed the shock of a historic defeat that will leave the depleted party in disarray and likely spark a contest to replace Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as a leader.

Labour vs Conservatives: Who won how many seats in the UK elections? (Official)

Conservative Party - 121

Labour Party - 412

Liberal Democrats- 71

Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) - 9

Others - 35

Follow all the updates here:
July 5, 2024 10:22 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: New foreign secretary Lammy backs 'immediate ceasefire' in Gaza

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Britain's newly appointed Foreign Secretary David Lammy reiterated his support Friday for international efforts to secure an "immediate ceasefire" in the Israel-Hamas war and for the release of remaining hostages.

Lammy, 51, said he would "get to work with tireless diplomacy" towards those twin aims, in his first comments after becoming the country's top diplomat.

July 5, 2024 9:36 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Pound climbs after Labour win

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: The pound advanced Friday after Britain's centre-left Labour Party clinched an expected landslide election victory to end 14 years of right-wing Conservative rule.

London's benchmark FTSE 100 index gave up early gains made following news that Keir Starmer would become Britain's new prime minister after Labour trounced Rishi Sunak's Conservatives as Wall Street opened.

July 5, 2024 8:50 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: David Lammy new UK foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper interior minister

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: New UK prime minister Keir Starmer appointed David Lammy as foreign secretary and Yvette Cooper as interior minister on Friday, following Labour's landslide victory in the general election.

Lammy, 51, a pioneering black lawmaker, succeeds the Conservatives' David Cameron as Britain's top diplomat. Meanwhile, Cooper, 55, takes charge of the Home Office, known for its challenging responsibilities.

July 5, 2024 8:09 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Angela Rayner appointed new deputy prime minister

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: New UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer appointed Angela Rayner as his deputy on Friday after Labour swept to power in a landslide general election win over the Conservatives.

Rayner, 44, became Starmer's first confirmed appointment to his cabinet and will also hold the brief of minister for levelling up, housing and communities, Downing Street said in a statement.

July 5, 2024 8:07 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Rachel Reeves appointed UK finance minister in new Labour government

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: New British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday appointed Rachel Reeves as finance minister, or Chancellor of the Exchequer, in his new Labour government, making her the first woman to hold the role.

July 5, 2024 6:54 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Work of change begins immediately,' says Starmer

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE:Keir Starmer entered Downing Street for the first time as UK prime minister on Friday, following a decisive victory in Thursday's general election that ended 14 years of Conservative rule under Rishi Sunak.

Speaking to reporters outside Downing Street, Starmer emphasized immediate action to restore the country's fortunes: "The work of change begins immediately. We will rebuild Britain, brick by brick," he declared.

July 5, 2024 6:11 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Starmer praises Sunak

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Starmer praised Rishi Sunak for becoming the UK's first British Asian Prime Minister, saying it took extra effort and added he acknowledges Sunak's dedication and hard work in leadership.

July 5, 2024 5:22 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Keir Starmer's first address as PM

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: “Public service is a privilege; whether you voted Labour or not… my government will serve you. Politics can be a force for good,” says Keir Starmer.

July 5, 2024 5:17 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Starmer praises Rishi Sunak as UK's first British Asian PM

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: PM Keir Starmer lauds Rishi Sunak’s 'extra effort' behind being the UK’s first British Asian PM.

July 5, 2024 5:01 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Read Buckingham Palace's statement

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: “The King received in Audience The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP today and requested him to form a new Administration. Sir Keir accepted His Majesty's offer and was appointed Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

July 5, 2024 4:56 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Starmer becomes PM officially

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Keir Starmer officially becomes Prime Minister after meeting with King Charles at Buckingham Palace.

July 5, 2024 4:42 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Starmer meets King Charles

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Labour leader Keir Starmer arrives at Buckingham Palace, where King Charles will invite him to become the next UK prime minister.

July 5, 2024 4:00 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Rishi Sunak formally resigns as PM

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: "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." said Buckingham palace in statement.

July 5, 2024 3:52 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Sunak recalls Diwali celebrations in farewell speech

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Outgoing British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on Friday that he will step down as the leader of the Conservative Party, taking “responsibility” for its defeat in the general election. Reflecting on his time as the country's first leader of Indian heritage, Sunak fondly remembered celebrating Diwali with his family on Downing Street.

In his farewell speech, Sunak expressed deep emotion, apologizing to voters and Tory colleagues for the party's poor performance. He emphasized that he had given his all to the job and regretted the losses suffered by his party members.

July 5, 2024 3:36 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Sunak to meet King

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Rishi Sunak arrives at Buckingham Palace to meet King Charles to formally resign as UK Prime Minister

July 5, 2024 3:24 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Sunak says he will resign as Tory leader

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Rishi Sunak announces he will resign as Conservative leader, but only after formal arrangements for selecting a successor are in place.

July 5, 2024 3:18 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Rishi Sunak's last address as PM

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Outgoing PM Rishi Sunak says he has given this job his all, but the public has sent a clear signal that the government must change. He apologises to candidates and campaigners who have worked tirelessly, acknowledging that his party has not delivered.

July 5, 2024 2:46 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: ‘Look forward to our positive and constructive collaboration,’ Modi's message to Starmer

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: “Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Keir Starmer on the remarkable victory in the UK general elections. I look forward to our positive and constructive collaboration to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in all areas, fostering mutual growth and prosperity,” said PM Modi.

July 5, 2024 2:44 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Indian PM Modi on outgoing PM Rishi Sunak

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: PM Modi said, "Thank you @RishiSunak for your admirable leadership of the UK and your active contribution to deepening the ties between India and the UK during your term in office. Best wishes to you and your family for the future."

July 5, 2024 2:28 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Macron welcomes Starmer

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: "We will continue the work begun with the UK for our bilateral cooperation, for peace and security in Europe, for the climate and for AI," French president Emmanuel Macron wrote on X.

July 5, 2024 2:23 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: What is future of the FTA between India-UK?

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava expressed hope that the Labour Party will recognise the significant price advantage that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India offers to UK exporters, potentially boosting their exports to India almost immediately.

"For proof, they can look at historical precedents, such as the steady improvement in ASEAN, Japanese, and South Korean exports to India following their respective FTAs with India," he said. Srivastava added that as the Labour Party takes charge, it may approve the FTA with minor adjustments.

July 5, 2024 1:32 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Ukraine's Zelensky hails Keir Starmer win

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky conveyed his congratulations to Labour leader Keir Starmer on his party's "convincing" victory in the British elections.

"Ukraine and the United Kingdom have been and will continue to be reliable allies through thick and thin. We will continue to defend and advance our common values of life, freedom, and a rules-based international order," Zelensky wrote on social media.

July 5, 2024 12:38 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Nigel Farage wins parliamentary seat as Reform UK gains momentum

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Nigel Farage, the architect of Brexit, has finally secured a seat in Parliament on his eighth attempt. This provides the populist Reform UK party leader with a new platform to challenge the traditional Tory-Labour dominance in British politics.

Farage, 60, won the seat in Clacton, a town on England's east coast that strongly supported the 2016 Brexit vote and had previously elected a Farage-led party MP in the 2015 general election. With most seats declared, Reform UK had secured at least three other seats, with about 15% of the national vote.

Farage's unexpected entry into the campaign delivered a significant blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives. His vigorous campaigning drew right-wing voters away from the governing party.

(With Bloomberg inputs)

July 5, 2024 12:20 PM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Scottish political map redrawn after Labour routs SNP

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Scotland is undergoing a significant political shift after the Labour Party decisively defeated the Scottish National Party (SNP) in the UK-wide elections, severely impacting the SNP's diminishing hopes for another independence referendum.

Labour achieved sweeping victories both north and south of the border, while the SNP experienced its worst performance in over a decade, securing only eight of Scotland’s 53 districts counted so far — fewer seats than the Liberal Democrats nationally. With the SNP now the fourth-largest party in Westminster, the result diminishes the pro-independence Scottish voice across the UK.

July 5, 2024 11:45 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Former PM Truss loses her parliamentary seat

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Liz Truss, Britain's shortest-serving prime minister, lost her seat in Parliament, adding to the Conservative Party's string of defeats.

The former prime minister, whose term lasted only 49 days, was narrowly defeated by Labour in her Norfolk South West seat by just several hundred votes.

Labour leader Keir Starmer is set to be officially appointed prime minister later on Friday.

July 5, 2024 11:23 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Suella Braverman wins seat, admits Conservative Party's 'entitlement'

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Suella Braverman, the former British Indian Conservative Party leader, apologised to the public on Friday for the party's performance over the past 14 years after securing a seat in the 2024 General Election.

Official results indicated that the Labour Party has won enough seats to achieve a majority in the UK Parliament and will form the next government. The Labour Party is projected to have a majority of approximately 160 seats in the House of Commons.

July 5, 2024 10:59 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Tory's Douglas Ross loses

Douglas Ross, the Scottish Conservative leader has lost the general election. Ross has been beatedn by the SNP’s Seamus Logan in Aberdeenshire North and Moray East.

July 5, 2024 10:47 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Stocks rise after Labour victory

UK equity-index futures climbed and the pound held recent gains after the Labour Party won a majority of seats in Parliament, giving it a clear mandate to deliver on its pledge for greater economic stability.

Contracts on the FTSE 100 Index advanced 0.2%, while the pound was little changed around $1.277. Labour passed 326 of the 650 seats in the House of Commons, securing its long-predicted landslide election victory. Rishi Sunak conceded defeat and Keir Starmer is now set to become prime minister. (Bloomberg)

July 5, 2024 10:37 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: 'I take responsibility' for election defeat, says Rishi Sunak

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: British leader Rishi Sunak conceded defeat Friday to Keir Starmer's main opposition Labour party in the UK general election, saying, "I take responsibility for the loss", reported news agency AFP.

"Today, power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner with goodwill on all sides," said Sunak, as his Conservative party appeared heading for historic defeat to Labour.

July 5, 2024 10:29 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: All you need to know about Keir Starmer who may become next UK PM

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: The Labour Party, Britain's main Opposition party, will likely score a landslide victory in the country's general election, exit polls predicted on Thursday. Keir Starmer, the Labour Party's leader, is expected to replace Rishi Sunak as the prime minister of Britain. Dig Deeper

July 5, 2024 10:20 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: UK PM Rishi Sunak thanks volunteers and voters

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: "To the hundreds of Conservative candidates, thousands of volunteers and millions of voters: Thank you for your hard work, thank you for your support, and thank you for your vote," posted UK PM Rishi Sunak on X.

July 5, 2024 10:12 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Ryanair trolls outgoing UK PM Rishi Sunak

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Outgoing UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has conceded defeat in the UK parliamentary elections. Shortly before he conceded defeat, Ryanair shared a post trolling the British-Indian politician that has gone viral on social media. Dig Deeper

July 5, 2024 9:59 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: 'We will put country first, party second,” says Starmer after historic win in general election

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Keir Starmer, Labour leader and poised to be the first Labour prime minister in 14 years, emphasised that his government will prioritsze “country first, party second.”

He underscored the weight of the mandate, stating, “A mandate like this comes with great responsibility,” and outlined his government’s focus on “national renewal.”

“We must restore politics to its role as public service,” he affirmed.

With over half of the 650 seats counted, Labour appears poised to secure one of its largest majorities ever in the House of Commons.

Later Friday, Starmer is expected to visit King Charles III to seek permission to form a new government.

(With AP inputs)

July 5, 2024 9:53 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: ‘Change begins now,’ says Starmer says after Labour Party's win

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Keir Starmer, British Labour leader, declared on Friday in a speech following his party's victory in the national election, marking the end of 14 years of Conservative government, "Change starts now."

July 5, 2024 9:48 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Sunak on his defeat

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Sunak acknowledged his defeat and said he had phoned Starmer to congratulate him on his victory.

“Today, power will transition peacefully and orderly, with goodwill from all parties,” he remarked after reclaiming his seat.

“There is a lot to understand and contemplate, and I accept responsibility for the defeat of many dedicated Conservative candidates... I apologise,” he added.

July 5, 2024 9:43 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Starmer's Labour Party crosses majority 326 mark to form govt

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Keir Starmer's Labour Party secured victory in the 2024 general election by surpassing the 326-seat majority required to form the government.

“We did it! You campaigned for it, you fought for it, you voted for it, and now it has arrived. Change begins now. And it feels good, I have to be honest. Four and a half years of work changing the party, this is what it is for, a changed Labour Party, ready to serve our country, ready to restore Britain to the service of working people,” Starmer was quoted as saying.

"A mandate like this comes with great responsibility," Labour leader Keir Starmer told supporters at a triumphant dawn rally in London, moments after the results that sealed its landslide win were announced.

July 5, 2024 9:22 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: PM Rishi Sunak concedes victory to Labour Party, congratulates Starmer

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the British election result as "sobering," acknowledging the Labour Party's victory.

Sunak, re-elected in North Yorkshire, addressed his supporters, stating, "The Labour party has won this general election."

July 5, 2024 9:15 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Rishi Sunak wins Richmond and Northallerton

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: UK current Prime Minister and Conservative Party candidate secured a victory in Richmond and Northallerton.

July 5, 2024 9:10 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Liberal Democrats have held onto Bath

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: The Liberal Democrats won Bath seat, according to the latest results from PA, as reported by The Guardian.

Wera Hobhouse secured 41.31% of the vote, with voter turnout notably high at 69.10% for this election.

July 5, 2024 9:00 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Conservative's bigwig Johnny Mercer loses seat

In yet another major loss for the Conservative Party, veteran leader Johnny Mercer lost his Plymouth Moor View seat to Labour Party's Fred Thomas.

July 5, 2024 8:52 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Rishi Sunak arrives at Richmond for counting of votes

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has arrived at the counting centre of the Richmond and Northallerton seat for the counting of votes. Opinion polls predicted that Sunak might lose the seat by a close margin.

July 5, 2024 8:46 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Green Party wins first seat

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: According to a report from The Guardian, the Green Party has secured its first victory as co-leader Carly Denyer claimed the seat of Bristol Central, delivering a significant upset to Labour.

Denyer garnered 24,539 votes in the newly configured constituency, decisively surpassing Labour's candidate and shadow frontbencher Thangam Debbonaire, who received 14,132 votes.

Debbonaire, who had previously represented the precursor constituency of Bristol West since 2015, was anticipated to secure a cabinet position in Keir Starmer's administration as culture secretary had she been successful.

July 5, 2024 8:34 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Corbyn, Champion of the Left, prevails over Labour

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Jeremy Corbyn, who led the Labour Party in the 2017 and 2019 general elections, has retained his seat in north London, this time running as an independent candidate, Associated Press reported.

Corbyn, previously suspended from Labour due to a dispute over antisemitism, chose to contest the Islington North constituency he has served since 1983 as an independent.

He secured victory with a margin of nearly 7,000 votes over his Labour rival. In the previous election, Corbyn had won the seat with a much larger margin of over 26,000 votes.

July 5, 2024 8:28 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Education Secretary Gillian Keegan loses to Liberal Democrats

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Gillian Keegan, Britain's Education Secretary, has been defeated by a candidate from the Liberal Democrats in Chichester, according to The Guardian report.

The Liberal Democrats secured victory with a lead of 12,172 votes.

July 5, 2024 8:17 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Reform UK leader Nigel Farage wins in Clacton-on-Sea

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Nigel Farage, leader of the hard-right Reform UK party, has secured a seat in Parliament.

- Farage emerged victorious in the election for Clacton-on-Sea, finally becoming a lawmaker on his eighth attempt following seven previous unsuccessful tries.

- Early results indicate that the anti-immigration Reform party, successor to the Brexit Party, has attracted support from both Conservative and Labour voters.

- Farage commented, stating the party “is going to come second in hundreds of constituencies.” The exact number of seats Reform will secure remains unclear.

- He noted a significant void in British right-wing politics, which he aims to address: “My plan is to build a mass national movement over the course of the next few years.”

(With AP inputs)

July 5, 2024 8:10 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: PM-to-be Starmer says ‘voters are ready change’ as Labour leads in 129 seats so far

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Labour leader Keir Starmer said that "voters have expressed their readiness for change" as an exit poll indicates a significant victory for his party.

Starmer made these comments after securing his seat in north London, albeit with a notably reduced majority. Addressing his supporters, he emphasized the importance of restoring politics to a focus on "public service" and stressed the urgency for "change."

He expressed gratitude to voters for choosing him to represent "my home, where my kids have grown up, where my wife was born."

"It all begins with you. Change starts right here in this community," he stated. "You have cast your vote; now it's our turn to deliver."

(With AP inputs)

July 5, 2024 7:51 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Newly formed Reform UK Party wins 1 seat so far

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Reform UK, a newly established anti-immigration party, has secured its inaugural seat in the general election, Associated Press reported.

Lee Anderson, formerly the Conservative deputy chairman who switched allegiance to Reform several months ago, successfully retained his seat in Ashfield, central England, capturing 43% of the vote.

July 5, 2024 7:47 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: UK defence minister loses seat in Parliament

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: British Defence Minister Grant Shapps lost his seat in Thursday's parliamentary election, marking the highest-ranking Conservative cabinet member to be defeated in what appears to be a decisive victory for the Labour Party, Reuters reported.

Shapps, who had represented the Welwyn Hatfield constituency in southern England for nearly twenty years, was ousted by Labour's Andrew Lewin. Lewin secured 19,877 votes, surpassing Shapps' 16,078.

July 5, 2024 7:43 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Bishop Auckland reclaimed by Labour Party

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: According to The Guardian, Bishop Auckland, once part of the "red wall" demolished in 2019, has now been regained by Labour.

Sam Rushworth of the Labour Party secured victory with 17,036 votes (42.14%), defeating Jane MacBean of the Conservative Party, who garnered 10,364 votes (25.64%).

July 5, 2024 7:36 AM IST

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Here are the latest Labour Party winners and their seats

UK Election Results 2024 LIVE: Some of the latest Labour gains those were announced in the last few minutes, according to The Guardian,

Labour gains Thurrock.

Labour gains Scunthorpe.

Labour gains Broxtowe.

Labour gains Rushcliffe.

Labour gains Wrexham.

Labour gains Tipton & Wednesbury.

Labour gains Bishop Auckland.

Labour gains Dunbartonshire West from the Scottish National Party.

Labour gains Barrow & Furness.

News world news UK Election highlights: Keir Starmer appoints David Lammy as foreign secretary