Keir Starmer vows 'the work of change begins immediately' in first speech as Prime Minister

Keir Starmer has vowed that the "the work of change begins immediately" in his first speech as Prime Minister.

The Labour leader said he would work to rebuild the country "brick by brick" in a speech outside No10 Downing Street on Friday afternoon.

He also said the country could “move forward together” as Labour took office following 14 years of Conservative rule.

He became only the fourth Labour leader in history to win the majority of seats in a general election after his party's landslide victory.

His party romped home to win 412 seats, compared with the Tories' 121.

Starmer was made Prime Minister following a visit with the King at Buckingham Palace.

Starmer said in his speech: “Changing a country is not like flicking a switch. The world is now a more volatile place. This will take a while.

“But have no doubt that the work of change begins immediately. Have no doubt that we will rebuild Britain, with wealth created in every community. Our NHS back on its feet facing the future. Secure borders, safer streets, everyone treated with dignity and respect at work. The opportunity of clean British power, cutting your energy bills for good.

“Brick by brick, we will rebuild the infrastructure of opportunity. The world-class schools and colleges, the affordable homes that I know are the ingredients of hope for working people. The security, the working-class families like mine could build their lives around.”

He added: “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.”

The new PM continued: “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.”

Following his speech, Starmer hugged members of the crowd in Downing Street.

The new Prime Minister then smiled and waved at the media gathered on the opposite side of the street as he and his wife Victoria posed for photos outside the famous No 10 door before entering the building.

To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here