Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pays tribute to Rishi Sunak in maiden Downing Street speech

New Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer used his maiden Downing Street speech to praise the 'hard work' and 'achievement' of former PM Rishi Sunak.

Mr Sunak - PM since October 2022 - resigned as leader of the Conservative Party overnight after a crushing defeat at the polls which saw his former cabinet members and other Tory MPs lose their seats.

Mr Starmer, speaking at a lectern in front of No 10, started his first prime ministerial speech by paying tribute to Mr Sunak's 'hard work'.

After stepping out from a car onto Downing Street in warm sunshine to applause and cheers, he said: "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."

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

Earlier, Sir Keir was invited to form a government by the King at Buckingham Palace

The new PM used his speech to reference what he called his Government's 'mission of national renewal'.

He said the Labour Party had 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.”

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

In his first speech as Prime Minister, the Labour leader said: “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.”

Following his speech, Sir Keir Starmer warmly embraced 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 Lady Victoria posed for photos outside the famous No 10 door before entering the building.