Angela Rayner, Rachel Reeves and Wes Streeting arrive at No10 as Starmer unveils new Cabinet

Nigel Farage unleashes staggering attack on Keir Starmer just minutes after his first speech

Nigel Farage launched an attack on Keir Starmer today - within minutes of the Labour leader making his first speech as Prime Minister on the steps of Number 10.

Starmer ascended to power after a resounding win for his party overnight which saw the Tories suffer a crushing blow.

Following his speech, the Reform UK leader took to social media to slam the Labour leader, saying: "Keir Starmer checked his notes over 150 times in his No 10 speech.

"Why does our new PM need a script to tell us what he believes in?"

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Trump congratulates Farage on winning his first ever seat - but fails to congratulate new PM Starmer

Donald Trump has congratulated Nigel Farage on winning his first ever seat following a devastating night for the Conservatives.

After numerous attempts at Westminster, Farage finally found election success, and was voted in as Clacton's representative in Parliament after receiving 46.2 per cent of the vote.

Following his win, former US President Trump said: "Congratulations to Nigel Farage on his big WIN of a Parliament seat amid Reform UK Election success."

Posting on social media, Trump added: "Nigel is a man who truly loves his Country!"

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Rwanda plan 'effectively dead' under Starmer, Labour sources claim

Sir Keir Starmer has "killed off" the Conservative government's controversial Rwanda plan on his first day on the job, the Telegraph has reported, citing Labour sources.

Said sources called the plan "effectively dead" - which follows previous promises by Starmer to scrap the scheme, which looked to send asylum seekers to the landlocked central African nation of Rwanda.

With just hours under his belt as PM, Starmer already faces pressure to find a way to stop tens of thousands of people arriving across the Channel from France on small boats.

SNP look set for single-digit washout as final seat expected to fall to Lib Dems

Drew Hendry, the SNP's candidate in Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire - the one seat in the country yet to declare a result - has conceded defeat.

Though an official result is not expected until the end of a second recount at 10.30am on Saturday, the seat is expected to fall to the Liberal Democrats' Angus MacDonald - handing the party 72 seats in total.

If that happens, it means the SNP will be left with just nine seats - a stonking 39-seat drop-off since 2019.

Hendry said serving his constituency - Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, as it was known before a boundary change - for the last nine years had been an "absolute joy".

He added that he would not be attending the recount on account of an "unmovable prior commitment".

Biden congratulates new PM - but 'special relationship' may not last

US President Joe Biden has congratulated Sir Keir Starmer on his landslide election victory in what marks the highest-profile remark from a Western leader so far today.

French and Ukrainian Presidents Macron and Zelensky had issued official statements welcoming the news this morning, but White House officials confirmed Biden and Starmer shared a phone call today.

Spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said: "This is a special relationship between our countries and the President conveyed that he looks forward to working closely with the Prime Minister on the full range of critical issues that the United States and the United Kingdom are engaged on."

Though American sources were keen to talk up the "special relationship" so emphasised by recent Labour Prime Ministers, the two may not be working together for long.

With the US election falling on November 5, and questions building over Biden's capacity to challenge Republican candidate Donald Trump - who has congratulated Nigel Farage on Reform's performance today - time could be running out already.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: "The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States Joe Biden this afternoon.

"The President congratulated the Prime Minister on his election victory and the Prime Minister thanked him for his kind words.

"The leaders discussed their shared commitment to the special relationship between the UK and US, and their aligned ambitions for greater economic growth.

"Discussing geopolitical challenges, the leaders reiterated their steadfast commitment to Ukraine and the Prime Minister underscored that the UK’s support for Ukraine was unwavering.

"The Prime Minister said he looked forward to working side by side across the breadth of the relationship, including the Aukus partnership and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. The leaders reflected on their shared commitment to protecting the gains of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

"The Prime Minister and President looked forward to seeing each other at the Nato Summit in Washington next week."

Leaders of the Commons and Lords announced as PM's first day of business winds down 

In what will likely form the last appointments of the day, Lucy Powell has been appointed as leader of the Commons, and Angela Smith, Baroness Smith of Basildon as leader of the Lords.

More Cabinet appointments under Starmer

Another five ministers have just been appointed to Sir Keir Starmer's cabinet, Downing Street has announced.

• Steve Reed MP as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
  
• Lisa Nandy MP as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
• Hilary Benn MP as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
• Ian Murray MP as Secretary of State for Scotland
• Jo Stevens MP as Secretary of State for Wales

Reform UK win fifth seat after recount gives them majority of just NINETY EIGHT votes

Reform UK have won a fifth seat in the General Election after a recount in the Basildon South and East Thurrock constituency.

James McMurdock won the seat with a majority of just 98 votes from Labour candidate Jack Ferguson.

McMurdock adds to an historic Westminster tally for Reform - he joins Nigel Farage, Lee Anderson, Richard Tice and Rupert Lowe in Parliament.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Reform's fab four assemble after a night of success for Farage and co

Britain Needs Reform. 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/pE8KKyNkTd

— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) July 5, 2024

Reform UK's four elected MPs have posed for an historic photo op after the party took home more than four million votes on its first election since re-branding from the Brexit Party.

The fab four were pictured together - from right to left: Party chair Richard Tice (Boston & Skegness), Rupert Lowe (Great Yarmouth), party leader Nigel Farage (Clacton) and Lee Anderson (Ashfield).

Reform took home more than 14 per cent of the national vote last night.

Another Cabinet quartet announced 

Another four ministers have just been appointed to Sir Keir Starmer's cabinet, Downing Street has announced.

The four are:

• Liz Kendall MP as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
• Jonathan Reynolds MP as Secretary of State for Business and Trade and President of the Board of Trade
• Peter Kyle MP as Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
• Louise Haigh MP as Secretary of State for Transport

Four more new Cabinet positions confirmed by Sir Keir Starmer

Downing Street has just confirmed the appointment of four more ministers in Sir Keir Starmer's government:

• Shabana Mahmood MP as Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice
• Wes Streeting MP as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
• Bridget Phillipson MP as Secretary of State for Education
• Ed Miliband MP as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero

Yvette Cooper confirmed as the new Home Secretary

Yvette Cooper has been confirmed as the new Home Secretary.

New Cabinet positions confirmed by Sir Keir Starmer

• Pat McFadden MP as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
• David Lammy MP as Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
• Yvette Cooper MP as Secretary of State for the Home Department
• John Healey MP as Secretary of State for Defence

Rachel Reeves confirmed as Chancellor of the Exchequer

New British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed Rachel Reeves as Chancellor of the Exchequer in his new Labour government, making her the first woman to hold the role.

Angela Rayner confirmed as Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

A Downing Street spokesperson said: "The King has been pleased to approve the appointment of Angela Rayner MP as Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. She will also be Deputy Prime Minister."

Nigel Farage says Reform UK are targeting Labour seats

The new MP for Clacton told a London press conference: "Old Labour was very, very patriotic. It believed in the country. It believed in its people. New Labour far less so.

"And the journey that Lee Anderson has been on is a journey that at least a couple of million people have been on, and it’ll be many, many more by the time we’re finished, because no doubt, our priority now is to go after Labour votes. That is what we’re going to be doing."

Introducing Reform’s Ashfield MP Lee Anderson, Mr Farage said: "Lee Anderson took a brave decision. He decided to join Reform UK. He was much mocked and derided by colleagues who had similar political opinions to him but didn’t have the guts to do it. They’ve all lost their seats overnight."

Shabana Mahmood enters 10 Downing Street 

Shabana Mahmood arrives at 10 Downing Street

Rachel Reeves arrives in Downing Street

Rachel Reeves did not give any comment to reporters as she approached No 10, but smiled as she approached the building. Meanwhile Wes Streeting and David Lammy both entered No 10 shortly before 3pm.

Asked he if he was going to be appointed in the new Government Cabinet, Streeting said: "We’ll find out in a minute."

Lammy smiled at reporters’ questions as he made his way through Downing Street.

Nigel Farage heckled at Reform UK rally in central London

A Reform UK press conference in central London has been delayed due to heckling from the audience.

One man was escorted out of the room in Westminster before more shouting was heard as leader and new Clacton MP Nigel Farage stood behind a podium.

Farage repeatedly shouted “boring” in response to the heckling.

Read the full story here.

Pat McFadden becomes the second person to enter Downing Street

Labour’s national campaign chief Pat McFadden has arrived in Downing Street as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer appoints his new Cabinet.

He did not give any comment to reporters as he entered No 10, only shrugging his shoulders in response to questions from the media.

Angela Rayner enters 10 Downing Street

The Deputy Labour Leader has entered 10 Downing Street following Sir Keir Starmer's maiden speech.

Sir Keir Starmer to start appointing first Cabinet this afternoon

The Prime Minister is set to begin forming his new Cabinet after entering 10 Downing Street. It is not yet known exactly who will be in the Cabinet, however Angela Rayner, Rachel Reeves and Wes Streeting are likely to be appointed.

There will have to be some changes as Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Thangam Debbonaire lost her Bristol Central seat to Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer.

Former Shadow Paymaster General Jonathan Ashworth lost his seat in Leicester South to the independent Shockat Adam, who said: “This is for Gaza,” after winning by just under 1,000 votes.

Sir Keir Starmer said his new Government has been given a 'clear mandate'

Sir Kier said: "We will use it to deliver change, to restore service and respect for politics, end the era of noisy performance, tread more lightly on your lives and unite our country.

"Four nations standing together again facing down, as we have so often in our past, the challenges of an insecure world, committed to a calm and patient rebuilding.

"So, with respect and humility, I invite you all to join this Government of service in the mission of national renewal. Our work is urgent and we begin it today."

Sir Keir Starmer has said he will put 'country first' in first address as Prime Minister

The Prime Minister said: "If you voted Labour yesterday, we will carry the responsibility of your trust as we rebuild our country. But whether you voted Labour or not, in fact especially if you did not, I say to you directly, my Government will serve you.

"Politics can be a force for good. We will show that. We’ve changed the Labour Party, returned it to service, and that is how we will govern. Country first, party second.

"Yet if I’m honest, service is merely a precondition of hope. And it is surely clear to everyone that our country needs a bigger reset, a rediscovery of who we are. Because no matter how fierce the storms of history, one of the great strengths of this nation has always been our ability to navigate a way to calmer waters.

"And yet this depends upon politicians, particularly those who stand for stability and moderation as I do, recognising that we must change course."

Sir Keir Starmer said his government would treat 'every single person in this country with respect'

The Prime Minister said: "But now our country has voted decisively for change, for national renewal and a return of politics to public service. When the gap between the sacrifices made by people and the service they receive from politicians grows this big, it leads to a weariness in the heart of a nation, a draining away of the hope, the spirit, the belief in a better future.

“But we need to move forward together. Now this wound, this lack of trust can only be healed by actions not words, I know that.

"But we can make a start today with the simple acknowledgement that public service is a privilege and that your government should treat every single person in this country with respect."

Sir Keir Starmer praises Rishi Sunak's 'hard work' in first speech as Prime Minister

The Prime Minister said: "I have just returned from Buckingham Palace, where I accepted an invitation from His Majesty the King to form the next Government of this great nation.

"I want to thank the outgoing prime minister Rishi Sunak. His achievement as the first British-Asian prime minister of our country, the extra effort that that will have required, should not be underestimated by anyone. And we paid tribute to that today.

"We also recognise the dedication and hard work he brought to his leadership."

Sir Keir Starmer arrives at 10 Downing Street as Prime Minister

The new Prime Minister and his wife Victoria met crowds of supporters at Downing Street. Sue Gray joined the crowd of Labour supporters outside Downing Street.

The new chief of staff could be seen talking to activists.

Buckingham Palace confirms Sir Keir Starmer is the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

A spokesperson from Buckingham Palace said in a statement: "The King received in Audience The Right Honourable Sir Keir Starmer MP today and requested him to form a new Administration.

"Sir Keir accepted His Majesty’s offer and kissed hands upon his appointment as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury."

Sir Keir Starmer meets the King ahead of address to the nation

Sir Keir Starmer has met the King invited the leader of the Labour Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government following the landslide General Election victory.

The Labour leader will soon address the nation from outside 10 Downing Street before entering the doors of the official residence.

Read the full story here.

Rishi Sunak resigns as Prime Minister: 'I'm sorry'

Rishi Sunak apologised to Conservative candidates and campaigners, saying: "I’m sorry that we could not deliver what your efforts deserved.

"It pains me to think how many good colleagues who contributed so much to their communities and our country will now no longer sit in the House of Commons.

"I thank them for their hard work and their service."

Read the full story here.

Rishi Sunak set to address the nation outside 10 Downing Street 

Sunak is set to make his final public appearance as Prime Minister imminently as he will make a speech outside 10 Downing Street.

The outgoing PM has held onto his North Yorkshire seat, despite some speculation he would become the first sitting Prime Minister to lose his place in Parliament.

You can watch the Prime Minister's address live on GB News here.

Jeremy Hunt leaves No. 11 Downing Street

Hunt, who held on to his seat in Godalming and Ash in Surrey by just 891 votes, had previously said that he knew the results would be close and it was "on a knife edge."

The Chancellor left No. 11 Downing Street for the final time with wife Lucia and their three children.

Addressing crowds moments after the shock result, he said: "I’m deeply honoured to be chosen once again to represent the area [where] I grew up and love. But across the country tonight, it’s a bitter pill to swallow for the Conservative Party."

More global leaders send congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on social media: "Congratulations Sir @Keir_Starmer on your victory. Pleased with our first discussion. 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."

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said: ""Keir Starmer has brought the Labour Party a comprehensive victory. I congratulate him and his candidates and I look forward to working together as close neighbours and friends. The relationship between Ireland and the UK is deeply consequential for all people across these islands... I look forward to early engagement with the incoming Prime Minister..."

Ukrainian President Zelensky said on X: "Congratulations to @Keir_Starmer and @UKLabour on their convincing election victory. 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...

"I am grateful to my good friend @RishiSunak for the UK government's steadfast support under his leadership. Challenger tanks, Storm Shadow missiles, F-16 training for our pilots, and the first bilateral security cooperation agreement are just a few of our shared achievements that Ukraine will never forget."

Record number of female MPs to sit in the House of Commons

A record number of female MPs will sit in the House of Commons following the General Election.

As of 7.30am on Friday, 261 female MPs had been elected, representing 40 per cent of the Common, and the number may increase as counts continue across the UK.

The figure passes the previous record of 220 women MPs at the election in 2019. The number of female MPs has risen at each of the past six elections.

Nancy Astor became the first female MP to sit in Parliament when she was elected in 1919. Lady Astor won the Plymouth Sutton seat in a by-election after her husband ascended to the House of Lords following the death of his father.

She stood down in 1945 and died in 1964 aged 84.

Ed Davey thanks voters after 'record-breaking' night for Liberal Democrats

Surrounded by signs bearing the slogan "winning here", Sir Ed addressed a crowd of staff and supporters. One shouted "we love you Ed" as the leader smiled and waved.

He said: "The Liberal Democrats are winning again", adding their number of seats, 71 so far, is the best result in over 100 years."

Sir Ed, the MP for Kingston and Surbiton, also made a joke about his stunt-filled campaign, saying "I didn't even have to paraglide in."

Global leaders congratulate Sir Keir Starmer after landslide Labour victory

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on social media: "Congratulations, @Keir_Starmer, on a historic UK election victory. Lots of work ahead to build a more progressive, fair future for people on both sides of the Atlantic. Let's get to it, my friend."

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, wrote on X: "Congratulation @Keir_Starmer on your electoral victory. I look forward to working with you in a constructive partnership to address common challenges and strengthen European security."

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: "We have a strong relationship between our two countries, but in Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner and so many others who I am very familiar with in the British Labour Party, I look forward very much to working with them.

"They have very similar views to us on a range of issues. I'm sure we'll work closely on AUKUS, where we worked very closely as well with the former government."

Israeli president Isaac Herzog said: "“I send my warmest congratulations to (Sir Keir). As he prepares to enter Downing Street as Prime Minister.

"I look forward to working together with him and his new government to bring our hostages home, to build a better future for the region, and to deepen the close friendship between Israel and the United Kingdom."

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said: ""Congratulations Keir Starmer on your election victory. New Zealand and the UK are great friends and can do so much more together. I look forward to working on every opportunity together as prime ministers. Thank you Rishi Sunak for your service to your nation and friendship to New Zealand."

Sunak set to make announcement later this morning

A Downing Street spokesperson said Rishi Sunak is set to make a statement to the nation at about 10.30am. He will then travel to Buckingham Palace for an audience with the King, where he is expected to formally tender his resignation.

Sir Keir Starmer’s will then see the King at the palace. He will be appointed as the country’s next prime minister and asked to form an administration.

Sir Keir will then be driven to Downing Street to address the nation for the first time as Prime Minister at around 12.20pm.

Former SNP Deputy Leader Mhairi Black blames poor weather on disappointing night for Scottish Nationalists

She told Channel 4: "Internally we were on a bad night. I think there's three things at play to end up with that result. The first one would be the overwhelming desire to get rid of the Tories.

"Second of all the SNP itself has been ridden with scandals and infighting.

"The third factor is turnout. Not just because we have more barriers in this election with having to have ID, everyone's uninspired, the postal votes fiasco, but also today I learnt its raining in Scotland which also always has a negative impact."

Greens celebrating after record breaking night

The Green Party has quadrupled its number of MPs in Westminster, gaining the most seats in the party’s history. Co-leaders Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay won in Bristol Central and Waveney Valley while Ellie Chowns was elected in Herefordshire North.

The party also successfully defended its only seat before this election – Brighton Pavilion, which they had held with former MP Caroline Lucas since 2010.

Newly elected Brighton Pavilion MP Sian Berry said: "We set our sights really high in this election and we’ve achieved everything that we set out to do. That feels incredibly good. It shows that there’s people out there really, really ready and crying out for our message.

“We’ve got a change of Government but that doesn’t change very much unless we can get some of the ideas in our manifesto into Labour’s programme. That’s what we’re working on."

Ian Paisley says it has been a 'huge privilege' to serve as an MP

Mr Paisley lost his North Antrim seat to TUV leader Jim Allister. He said: "The tides of life ebb and flow, as we all know."

“This is certainly not the script that I would have written for tonight, as I think most of you would accept. But life is made up of many chapters and I embrace this chapter as happily as I embraced the previous.

"I congratulate my successor. I commend all of those who took part in this race, the race to the finish, and I wish them well. Being a member of parliament is a huge privilege.

"It’s been a huge privilege for me, over 14 years as a member of Parliament and the previous 13 years in the Northern Ireland Assembly, to serve my constituency.

"I greatly appreciate the support that they have given me. Thank you."

Former seat of Boris Johnson votes Labour for the first time

Labour candidate Danny Beales has beaten the Conservatives in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, previously the seat of former prime minister Boris Johnson.

Beales won the seat with 16,599 over Tory Steve Tuckwell on 16,012. Reform UK came third with 6,610.

Meanwhile outgoing Conservative Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride has won Devon Central, beating Labour and holding on to his seat by a margin of 61 votes.

Former Prime Minister Liz Truss has lost her seat

Liz Truss has come second to Labour in South West Norfolk. The seat had been in Conservative hands since 1964.

Full results for South West Norfolk:

• James Bagge - Independent - 6,282
• Gary Conway - Heritage Party - 160
• Pallavi Devulapalli - Green - 1,838
• Lorraine Douglas - Communist - 77
• Earl Elvis of East Anglia - Official Monster Raving Loony Party - 338
• Terry Jermy - Labour - 11,847
• Toby Mckenzie - Reform UK - 9,958
• Josie Ratcliffe - Lib Dems - 2,618
• Liz Truss - Conservatives - 11,217

Tory leadership hopeful James Cleverly clings on in Braintree

Home Secretary James Cleverly has avoided joining eleven other Cabinet Ministers in being ousted from Parliament.

Cleverly was returned as the MP for Braintree with 35.5 per cent of the vote, just 7.5 per cent ahead of Labour

However, Reform UK yet again performed strongly and raked in 23.1 per cent of the vote.

Rees-Mogg LOSES in yet another Conservative casualty

Former Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg has lost his seat by more than 10 per cent to Labour predecessor Dan Norris.

Rees-Mogg received the backing of 30.2 per cent of voters in North East Somerset & Hanham, with Norris hitting 40.6 per cent.

Reform UK's involvement in the seat could have proved decisive, with the populist party raking in 14.5 per cent.

Starmer hails victory after Tories demolished in brutal election drumming

Arriving at Labour’s victory rally in central London, Sir Keir Starmer began his speech saying: “We did it.”

He added: "A mandate like this comes with a great responsibility."

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Jonathan Ashworth loses seat in SHOCK result

In a shock result in Leicester South, Labour frontbencher Jonathan Ashworth has lost his seat.

The shadow paymaster general has been beaten by pro-Gaza independent Shockat Adam.

Ashworth secured 32.9 per cent of the vote, compared to Adam's 35.2 per cent.

Jeremy Corbyn retains his seat after defeating Labour in grudge battle

Jeremy Corbyn has held his Islington North constituency after defeating Labour in a tense campaign.

The Independent candidate won the seat with a majority of 7,247.

Corbyn was expelled from the parliamentary party over his response to EHRC's damning report on antisemitism in 2020 and then sat as an independent MP.

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Keir Starmer's MAJORITY SLASHED but Labour leader comfortably holds Holborn & St Pancras

Sir Keir Starmer's vote share dropped by 17.4 per cent as the Labour leader retained Holborn & St Pancras.

Andrew Feinstein, who was standing on a pro-Palestine ticket, ate into Labour's vote with 18.9 per cent support.

The Green Party also witnessed a six-point boost to hit 10.4 per cent.

Angela Rayner RETAINS Ashton-under-Lyne as Reform UK jump into second

Deputy Labour leader has been returned as the MP for Ashton-under-Lyne after receiving 15,573 votes.

Reform UK's Robert Barrowcliffe finished second on 8,784 and the Tories finished in a distant third with 4,375 ballots cast in favour of Lizzie Hacking.

South Shields votes Labour as vote share drops by 3 per cent

South Shields has returned Emma Lewell-Buck as its MP but Labour's vote share collapsed by three per cent.

Reform UK and the Green Party surged by 8.3 and 11.7 per cent respectively to push the Tories into a distant fourth.

Geoff Hoon REJOICES as exit poll suggests Labour set to surge to landslide GE victory

Former Labour minister Geoff Hoon has hailed the General Election exit poll as a "tremendous result" for Labour, with the party set to see a landslide victory.

Speaking to GB News, Hoon said Sir Keir Starmer has "turned the Labour Party around", calling the outcome a "tremendous result."

He added: "I'd be quite interested in seeing the actual percentages because this is a national poll that has then been converted into these numbers for seats.

"We won't know whether those seat numbers are correct until we see the actual results coming in."

Speaking about the leader of the Labour Party Keir Starmer, he said: "Nevertheless, for a man who was threatened with the sack after the Hartlepool by-election, he's done incredibly well for the Labour Party.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE