UK Poll Results Highlights | British PM Starmer appoints key members of new Labour cabinet

Exit polls predict Labour Party win by massive majority

Keir Starmer will be Britain's next prime minister with his Labour Party set to win a massive majority in a parliamentary election, an exit poll on Thursday indicated, while Rishi Sunak's Conservatives are forecast to suffer historic losses.

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UK defence minister Shapps loses seat in parliament

British defence minister Grant Shapps lost his seat at Thursday's parliamentary election, becoming the most senior Conservative cabinet member so far to be defeated in what is set to be a clear overall victory for the Labour Party.

Shapps was defeated by Labour's Andrew Lewin in the Welwyn Hatfield constituency in southern England he had held for nearly two decades. Lewin won 19,877 votes compared to Shapps' 16,078.

Shapps, a loyal supporter of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, had held other cabinet roles, including in departments of energy, housing and transport, and a six-day stint as interior minister under former leader Liz Truss. (Reuters)

Nigel Farage wins his first seat in UK parliament

Nigel Farage, leader of the right-wing Reform UK party, won a seat in the British parliament for the first time on Friday in the seaside English town of Clacton-on-Sea, as voters deserted Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party.

Farage, whose career of anti-immigration, pro-Brexit campaigning has made him one of Britain's most recognisable and divisive political figures, comfortably beat the Conservative candidate Giles Watling who had previously held the seat.

His surprise entry into the election a month ago, having initially ruled out standing, boosted support for Reform UK across the country. That helped scupper Sunak's hopes of closing the gap on the centre-left Labour Party, which is on course for a huge national victory. (Reuters)

Left-wing maverick Galloway loses his parliamentary seat

Veteran left-wing political maverick George Galloway lost his parliamentary seat in Britain's election on Friday, defeated by the Labour candidate in the northern English town of Rochdale.

Galloway had served for just four months after winning a by-election triggered by the death of the town's previous lawmaker.

Back in March, Galloway's pro-Palestinian campaign helped him win votes from the town's Muslim community and he secured what was his seventh stint as a lawmaker, representing his left-wing Workers Party of Britain.

That win came after Labour withdrew support from its candidate over a recording espousing conspiracy theories about Israel. (Reuters)

Labour Party leader Starmer thanks British voters, says people are ready for change

Keir Starmer, the Labour Party leader on track to be the UK’s new prime minister, on Friday thanked voters and said the people of the country are "ready for change" and to "end the politics of performance".

Starmer, 61, in his victory speech after winning from Holborn and St Pancras, said whether people voted for him or not, "I'll serve every person in this constituency."

According to the exit poll, which is often quite close to the final tally, Labour could win as many as 410 seats, comfortably crossing the half way 326 mark and notching up a 170-seat majority with the incumbent Tories led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak down to just 131 seats. (PTI)

Visuals from the UK as voting continues

Penny Mordaunt loses Portsmouth North seat

After losing her seat, former Tory leadership contender Mordaunt said her party had taken a “battering because it failed to honour the trust that people had placed in it”.

Labour leading by miles as 382 of 650 seats declared

As of 9:09 am IST, Starmer's Labour Party had won 283 seats.

Sunak's Conservative Party, meanwhile, was a distant second with 53 seats. The Liberal Democratic Party was third, with 34 seats.

The majority mark is 326 seats.

UK PM Sunak wins his parliamentary seat

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak won his parliamentary seat in northern England at the election on Friday. (Reuters)

I am sorry, says Sunak as Tories concede defeat to Starmer's Labour

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conceded defeat in the national election on Friday, saying the opposition Labour Party had won.

"The Labour Party has won this general election and I have called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory," Sunak said after winning his parliamentary seat in northern England.

"Today, power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner, with goodwill on all sides. That is something that should give us all confidence in our country's stability and future."

"I am sorry," he said, adding that he took responsibility for the loss. (Reuters)

Labour crosses majority mark of 326 seats

Britain's opposition Labour Party has won 326 seats in the parliamentary election, broadcaster ITV said on Friday, meaning it now holds a majority in the 650-seat strong House of Commons. (Reuters)

Senior UK Conservative Jacob Rees-Mogg fails to win seat in election

Former British Conservative minister Jacob Rees-Mogg failed to win the parliamentary seat of North East Somerset and Hanham, losing to the Labour Party, results showed early on Friday. (Reuters)

'Country first, party second', says Starmer as Labour waltzes to victory

Britain's incoming prime minister, Keir Starmer, said the fight for trust would be the "battle that defines our age" and he would be judged on his ability to show that politics could be a force for good in the world.

Starmer, set to lead a centre-left party into power just as the far right makes gains in Europe, said his mandate from the British people was a "great responsibility" and he pledged to start work straightaway on improving the country.

"Our task is nothing less than renewing the ideas that hold this country together: national renewal," he told supporters after his party won enough seats to hold a majority in parliament.

"The fight for trust is the battle that defines our age. It is why we've campaigned so hard on demonstrating we are fit for public service."

"We have to return politics to public service. Show that politics can be a force for good."

Starmer stressed that he would put the country first, and his party's interests second, adding that the road ahead would not be easy. (Reuters)

Latest visuals from UK as Labour celebrates victory

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Labour to cross 400 seats? Starmer's party continues push

As of 10 am IST, Labour had won 364 seats, well above the majority mark of 326.

With 531 of 650 seats declared, Labour could very well breach the 400-mark.

The Conservative Party and the Liberal Democratic Party, meanwhile, had won 86 and 49 seats respectively.

Challenges ahead for next PM Keir Starmer

Britain's next prime minister, Keir Starmer, wants to focus on long-term growth, but as he gets to grips with that challenge his first few months are packed with tough decisions.

Foreign affairs:

US relations—Starmer has said he will "deal with whoever is the president", saying the relationship between Britain and the US is "above the individuals".

Starmer is expected to attend a NATO Summit in the US on July 9-11.

Relations with Europe—Starmer has ruled out rejoining the EU single market or customs union but his party has said it is still possible to remove some trade barriers with bloc, to help smaller companies that have struggled with higher costs and paperwork.

Labour wants to seek a veterinary agreement that would reduce border checks on animal products, a hindrance for British farmers and importers, and mutual recognition of certain professional qualifications.

Ukraine—Britain is due to give Ukraine 3 billion pounds ($3.8 billion) worth of military aid this year and the country is expected to continue to need support in the years to come. In its party manifesto, Labour said: "With Labour, the UK's military, financial, diplomatic and political support for Ukraine will remain steadfast."

Gaza—Starmer has said he wants to recognise a Palestinian state, but added that such a move would need to come at the right time in a peace process.

"We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to a renewed peace process which results in a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state," Labour said in its manifesto.

China—Britain summoned China's ambassador earlier this year to say cyberattacks and reports of espionage links were not acceptable. The Labour Party has said it will bring a long term and strategic approach to managing relations with China.

Domestic affairs:

Tata Steel—The new government will need to sign the 500 million pound ($635 million) support package the previous government agreed with Tata Steel to help build a lower-carbon electric arc furnace.

Tata, Britain's biggest steel producer, started closing one of its carbon-intensive blast furnaces on Thursday while the shutdown of its other one is slated for September, resulting in the loss of up to 2,800 jobs at Port Talbot in South Wales.

Unions are hoping that the new government will seek an improved deal with Tata, which could prevent some job losses.

Water—Sewage pollution caused by privatised water companies has become a huge issue.

On July 11, the regulator will decide whether to allow those companies to hike people's bills by double digits, in what could be one of the first big headaches for the new government.

The companies say they need the funds to improve infrastructure and stop sewage spills, but critics say they have spent the previous decade paying dividends instead of investing.

Junior doctors—Junior doctors have held strikes in England over the last 18 months, with the most recent ending on July 2. They want a 35 per cent pay rise, having been offered a deal worth 10 per cent on average.

The strikes have added to the strain on Britain's health service, with the number of people waiting for non-urgent treatment almost doubling to 8 million last year compared to four years earlier.

Before the election, Labour's health spokesman Wes Streeting said a Labour government would negotiate to end the strikes.

Royal Mail—Royal Mail, which has delivered letters for 500 years, has agreed to be bought by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky in a 3.57 billion pound deal agreed at the end of May.

Under the National Security and Investment Act, the government can scrutinise and block any acquisition which it believes could be a threat to national security.

Labour said in May it would ensure that the five-year assurances given by Kretinsky were adhered to if it won the election. Now it is in power, however, it could decide to look more closely at the deal.

Shein—The Chinese-founded fast fashion retailer Shein is said to have confidentially filed papers with Britain's markets regulator in June, kicking off the process for a potential London listing later in the year.

Labour has met with Shein and indicated its support for a deal that would be a boost for the UK market.

However concernts about Shein's labour practices, supply chain and use of an import tax exemption could become a problem for Labour. (Reuters)

'Look forward to working with him': Australia PM congratulates Starmer on his win

Anthony Albanese tells the reporters, "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."

He took to X, to congratulate Keir Starmer on his win. "Congratulations to my friend and new UK Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer on his resounding election victory - I look forward to working constructively with the incoming @UKLabour Government"

Justin Trudeau lauds Starmer's victory in UK elections, says, 'lots of work ahead'

New Zealand PM congratulates Keir Starmer on his election victory, thanks Sunak for his 'service'

Former UK PM Liz Truss loses her seat at election

Britain's shortest-serving leader lost her parliamentary seat in the election.

Truss secured 11,217 votes in her South West Norfolk constituency in eastern England, behind 11,847 votes for Labour candidate Terry Jermy.

Suella Braverman apologises for Conservative Party acting ‘entitled’ as she secures seat

Suella Braverman, the sacked British Indian Conservative Party leader, apologised to the public for the Conservative Party's performance over the last 14 years after winning a seat in the 2024 General Election.

Saying 'Sorry' for her Conservative Party's performance over the last 14 years, Braverman, after winning the newly-created Fareham and Waterlooville constituency said, "I want to briefly address the results around the country, and there’s only one thing I can say... sorry. I’m sorry,"

"The Great British people voted for us over 14 years and we did not keep our promises... we acted like we were entitled to your votes," BBC quoted the 44-year-old barrister as saying. "I'm sorry my party didn't listen to you," she said.

Key moments from 14 years of Conservative rule in UK

2010 Election Results in Hung Parliament

The Conservative Party led by David Cameron wins the most seats in parliament but not an overall majority, ousting the Labour Party which had been in power since 1997. Britain has its first coalition government since 1945, after Cameron agrees to work with the centrist Liberal Democrats.

2014 Scottish Referendum

In a referendum that had threatened to split the United Kingdom, Scotland votes 55 per cent -45 per cent against independence in a victory for Cameron and the main national political parties over the Scottish National Party.

2016: UK votes for Brexit, Cameron quits

Britons cause a global shock by voting 52 per cent -48 per cent to leave the EU, ending a more than 40-year union and plunging the country into its biggest political crisis since World War Two. Cameron resigns and the party chooses Theresa May to succeed him.

2017 Snap election gamble backfires

Riding high in opinion polls and seeking a bigger majority in parliament to push Brexit legislation through, May calls a snap election. The Conservatives lose their majority and form a government by striking a deal with Northern Ireland's pro-UK Democratic Unionist Party.

2020 Brexit deal

Boris Johnson uses his mandate to drive a Brexit deal through parliament and Brussels, and Britain exits the EU on January 31, 2020, becoming the first state to withdraw from the bloc.

2022: Truss' chaotic premiership

Liz Truss beats Rishi Sunak in a contest to succeed Johnson. Her "mini-budget" containing unfunded tax cuts spooks financial markets, pushing up borrowing costs sharply and further tarnishing Britain's reputation for political and fiscal stability. She lasts only 44 days before announcing her resignation.

Oct 2022: Sunak becomes prime minister

Sunak takes over as Britain's third prime minister in as many months, pledging to restore stability to government. In February 2023, Sunak strikes a deal with the EU on trade rules for Northern Ireland, improving ties with the bloc.

May 2024 - Sunak calls elections

Trailing the Labour Party by around 20 points in the polls, Sunak calls an election for July 4. Labour, led by Keir Starmer, wins the election

Keir Starmer to meet King Charles

The newly elected Prime Minister of Britain, Keir Starmer will meet King Charles at Buckingham Palace before giving a speech at Downing Street at around 11 GMT

Britain's outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will make a statement in Downing Street at around 0930 GMT before meeting with King Charles to formally resign

Ukraine's Zelenskyy congratulates Labour on UK election victory

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated the Labour Party and Keir Starmer for winning the UK election, saying he is looking forward to working together on international peace and security.

"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," Zelenskyy wrote on X.

Sinn Fein becomes largest Northern Ireland party in UK parliament

Irish nationalists Sinn Fein became Northern Ireland's largest party in the British parliament for the first time on Friday, capitalising on a poor election for its main unionist rival to cross off another milestone in its campaign to end British rule.

With 17 of the 18 seats declared, the former political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) had retained the seven seats won at the last election. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) were second on four seats and cannot catch Sinn Fein.

Modi congratulates Keir Starmer on his 'remarkable victory', thanks Sunak for his 'admirable leadership'

Narendra Modi took to X, to offer his heartiest congratulations to Keir Starmer on his election victory.

He further went on to thank Rishi Sunak for his 'active contribution to deepen the ties between India and the UK'.

He wrote, "Thank you @RishiSunak for your admirable leadership of the UK, and your active contribution to deepen the ties between India and the UK during your term in office. Best wishes to you and your family for the future."

Green party quadruples its number of Commons seats to four

The party took three new seats, one from Labour and two from the Conservatives, and held their existing Brighton Pavilion constituency. Green co-leader Carla Denyer unseated Labour’s Thangam Debbonaire in Bristol Central.

Rishi Sunak to give final address to nation as prime minister

Rishi Sunak will give his concession speech outside Downing Street before travelling to the palace and formally tender his resignation to King Charles.

After that, King Charles will ask Keir Starmer to form the next government during his visit to the palace. Starmer is expected to make a national address at 12.25pm.

Who will lead the Conservative Party?

Sunak may decide to resign with immediate effect that will trigger a 'bloodbath' for the leadership post within the party. Kemi Badenoch, Suella Braverman, James Cleverly, Priti Patel, Robert Jenrick, Jeremy Hunt and Tom Tugendhat are all possible candidates who remain in parliament.

Reuters spoke to 20 politicians, party members and strategists who said the expected resignation of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as Conservative leader would trigger a battle among the institutions that underpin the party - with the right-wing media, financial backers, think tanks and vocal members all wanting a say.

Several lawmakers are expected to compete to replace Sunak, the party sources told Reuters, with the right wing likely to promote two former interior ministers known for a tough line on immigration - Priti Patel and Suella Braverman - as well as former trade minister Kemi Badenoch, named minister of the year by the website ConservativeHome in 2023 after she took a robust position on trans issues.

The party sources said centrist candidates were also preparing campaigns, with James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat, interior and security ministers under Sunak respectively, named as possible contenders.

Veteran party adviser Peter Botting described the battle for the leadership as being between those who became Conservative because of former prime minister Margaret Thatcher - a staunch free-marketeer - and those who followed the moderniser David Cameron, with his more paternalistic 'one nation conservativism'.

Rishi Sunak announces intention to resign as Conservative leader but stay on until successor appointed

Rishi Sunak has announced his intention to resign as Conservative leader, but will stay on while arrangements can be made to choose his successor.

In his concession speech, Sunak said, "I will shortly be seeing His Majesty the King to offer my resignation as prime minister to the country. I would like to say first and foremost, I am sorry.

I have given this job my all but you have sent a clear signal that the government of the United Kingdom must change and yours is the only judgment that matters. I have heard your anger, your disappointment. And I take responsibility for this loss."

Rishi expresses sorrow about his collegues who 'no longer sit in the House of Commons'

In his concession sppech, Sunak also spared a thought his colleagues who had lost their seats, saying: "To all the conservative candidates and campaigners who worked tirelessly, but without success, I am 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."

Rishi Sunak and wife Akshata Murty arrive at Buckingham Palace

Sunak, during his audience with the King, will tender his resignation to the monarch. After his exit, Sir Keir Starmer will arrive at the palace, where he'll be met by the King’s private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton.

Starmer and Alderton will be left alone for what used to be called "kissing hands" and is now a handshake.

The King will invite Sir Keir to form a government. Photographs will be taken of the moment. Starmer will then make his way to Downing Street, his new residence.

Rishi Sunak welcomed into Buckingham Palace by the king’s private secretary Sir Clive Alderton

Sunak's exit: In Pics

North Sea oil producers urge Labour's Starmer for tax clarity

North Sea oil and gas producers urged Britain's incoming Prime Minister Keir Starmer to provide clarity on his election promise to increase tax on the sector, warning it could lead to a rapid decline in output and revenue.

Starmer's Labour Party swept to power in a parliamentary election on Thursday, ending 14 years of Conservative government.

The party's manifesto promised to rapidly build up Britain's renewable power, partly by increasing taxes on its oil and gas sector. It also vowed to end issuing new licences in the North Sea basin.

David Whitehouse, Chief Executive of industry body Offshore Energies UK, said the sector and investors were deeply concerned over Labour's plans.

"These policies, if poorly managed, and without industry input, will threaten jobs and undermine the decarbonisation of the UK economy. The details matter," Whitehouse said in a statement.

Buckingham Palace confirms Sunak's resignation as PM

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: "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."

As Starmer awaits to take charge, Larry the Cat seen taking a nap

Starmer is expected to address the nation at about 12:20 pm as the new prime minister

Keir Starmer arrives at Buckingham Palace to meet King Charles

Britain's Keir Starmer arrived at Buckingham Palace on Friday for King Charles to formally appoint him prime minister, after his Labour Party won on a landslide election victory.

Labour leader Keir Starmer officially becomes Britain's new prime minister, after audience with King Charles III.

Keir Starmer went inside the palace gates in a small convoy of cars before meeting the King for the formal invitation to form a government.

Sir Keir Starmer has just been pictured departing from his meeting with the King.

As UK PM Starmer heads to Downing Street, the lectern is out again in front of the official residence of the prime minister as country awaits first words of new leader. 

UK PM Keir Starmer gives his first speech as prime minister

After greeting supporters on his arrival in Downing Street, Starmer begins his speech as Britain's new PM.

Starmer says country needs 'a bigger reset' but acknowledges this might take time

Starmer says “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 when we must change course.”

Starmer says “for too long now we turned a blind eye as millions slid into greater insecurity.”

He says his government will fight every day to make people believe in them.

He says “from now on you have a government unburdened by doctrine, guided only by the determination to serve your interest.”

Starmer, however, also acknowledged the changes, saying, "changing a country is not like flicking a switch" as he acknowledges the world "is more volatile".

"It will take a while," he adds but says work to change will begin immediately.

He then talks about wealth creation, getting the NHS back on its feet "facing the future" and securing the UK borders.

Keir Starmer posed briefly for photos outside No 10 with his wife Victoria after concluding his first speech

Starmer concluded his first speech as UK's PM with stirring words about his country's revival. "With respect and humility, I invite you all to join this govt of service in the mission of national renewal," he said before adding, "Our work is urgent and we begin it today." Starmer concluded his speech by saying thank you, turning round to greet people behind him before walking into 10 Downing Street with wife Victoria.

UK's new PM Keir Starmer Downing Street entry: In Pics

Highlights from UK PM Keir Starmer's first speech

Top takeaways from Keir Starmer's first speech as prime minister:

• "The work of change begins immediately," said Starmer but adds it won't be as simple as "flicking a switch"

• Starmer highlights need to "rebuild" the country's "infrastructure of opportunity... brick by brick," adding that there was a need for schools and affordable homes.

• He spoke of the need for a national "reset" as he leads a "government of service".

• He also saluted the work of his predecessor Rishi Sunak as the first British Asian PM

Key expectations from new Labour government

During the election campaign, Labour released a manifesto on what it would do if elected.

• Provide economic stability with clear rules on tax and spending, including no increases to existing income tax rates, National Insurance or VAT

• Cut NHS waiting times with 40,000 more appointments a week by paying staff more to work weekends and evenings

• Create a Border Security Command with counter-terror style powers to stop trafficking gangs and people smuggling

• Set up Great British Energy, a publicly owned clean energy firm, to create jobs, cut bills and invest in clean energy

• Tackle antisocial behaviour with 13,000 more police and community support officers on the beat in England and Wales

• Recruit 6,500 more teachers and introduce free breakfast clubs at every primary school in England

No final result today despite Labour's obvious landslide win

With a recount in the Highlands on Saturday morning in the constituency of Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire, the final numbers for the UK elections will only be released tomorrow.

Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria welcomed by staff at No 10 Downing Street

Angela Rayner arrives at Downing Street

Angela Rayner is the first Labour MP to arrive at Downing Street today. She is expected to be confirmed as deputy prime minister.

Cabinet appointees start arriving at Downing Street

After Angela Rayner, the likely future chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and MP Pat McFadden, one of Keir Starmer's staunchest allies and key architects of the Labour campaign, arrived at Downing Street.

Since then there has been a steady stream of Cabinet appointees to Starmer's new home as UK PM.

So far, Shabana Mahmood, John Healy, Wes Streeting. and David Lammy have reached the location.

Starmer's new cabinet members

Here is what we know of UK's new Labour cabinet under PM Keir Starmer:

Angela Rayner - Deputy prime minister and secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities

Rachel Reeves - Chancellor

David Lammy - Foreign Secretary

Yvette Cooper - Home Secretary

John Healey - Defence Secretary

Pat McFadden- Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Shabana Mahmood - Justice Secretary

Bridget Phillipson - Education Secretary

Ed Miliband - Energy Secretary