'Country first, party second': Keir Starmer makes first speech as Prime Minister

Sir Keir Starmer has addressed the nation from Downing Street for the first time as Prime Minister after an astonishing victory that saw the Labour party rebuild the red wall in the North East.

The Labour Party swept the polls last night (July 4) taking home a total of 412 seats - wiping out the Conservatives in the North East apart from in Stockton West and in Richmond and Northallerton.

After stepping out from a car onto Downing Street after meeting the King, sun peaking through the clouds, the Prime Minister was greeted to applause and cheers, and then greeting supporters, he took to the lectern.

He 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.

“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.”

Mr Starmer promised voters: “My Government will serve you” whether or not they voted Labour as he vowed to show “politics can be a force for good”.

He 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.”

He promised a government “unburdened by doctrine” and to fight for people’s belief in a brighter future.

“If I asked you now whether you believe that Britain will be better for your children, I know too many of you would say no.

“So, my Government will fight every day until you believe again.

“From now on, you have a Government unburdened by doctrine, guided only by the determination to serve your interest, to defy quietly those who have written our country off.

“You have given us a clear mandate and we will use it to deliver change, to restore service and respect to politics.”

Sir Keir Starmer said his new Government has been given a “clear mandate” by voters, saying: “And 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.”