Keir Starmer's recent victory in the UK general election has garnered congratulations from various corners, including the British Royal family. On Friday, the Royal family extended their congratulations to Starmer for his significant electoral triumph, which led to his appointment as the UK Prime Minister.
After securing a landslide win in the House of Commons, Starmer met with King Charles III. During this meeting, the King formally appointed him as the new Prime Minister following the resignation of Rishi Sunak.
The Royal Family's official message on X highlighted that the King had requested Starmer to form a new administration, an offer which Starmer accepted. The message read, "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."
Starmer's victory was not only historic for the Labour Party but also significant on a global scale, as he received congratulatory messages from leaders worldwide. His win marked the end of a 14-year tenure of the Conservative Party in government. Starmer, a former barrister who became a Member of Parliament in 2015 and assumed Labour leadership in 2020, has since worked to steer his party towards the political centre.
The outgoing Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, managed to secure 47.5 percent of the vote in his constituency but saw his Conservative Party win only 109 seats in the 650-member House of Commons. In contrast, Labour secured a commanding 403 seats.
Accepting the results, Sunak offered his apologies and took responsibility for the Conservative Party's loss. He expressed regret for the many dedicated conservative candidates who, despite their hard work and commitment to their communities, did not win their seats.
"I take responsibility for the loss to the many good, hard-working, conservative candidates who lost tonight despite their tireless efforts, their local records of delivery and their dedication to their communities. I am sorry," Sunak said. He also emphasised the peaceful and orderly transfer of power, stating, "Today power will change hands in an orderly and peaceful manner, with goodwill on all sides."
In his victory speech, Starmer acknowledged the enormous responsibility that comes with such a significant win. He pledged to lead the nation towards "national renewal" after years of Conservative governance. This victory, he noted, was not just a win for the Labour Party but a mandate for substantial change and progress in the UK.
Interestingly, the path to this electoral success was paved by an unexpected move earlier in the year. In May, Sunak had called for a snap vote, a decision that surprised many within his party and beyond. This call for an early election set the stage for the Labour Party's decisive victory and Starmer's subsequent rise to the premiership.
Starmer’s new role marks the beginning of a new chapter for the UK, with expectations of significant policy changes and a shift in the country's political landscape. As he steps into his role, all eyes will be on how he navigates the challenges and responsibilities that come with leading the nation.