Sir Keir Starmer has officially become the UK’s new prime minister after a meeting with the King.
The Labour leader had his meeting in Buckingham Palace after Rishi Sunak stepped down following the worst ever general election result for the Conservatives.
Sir Keir now takes over as the first Labour prime minister in 14 years – and the seventh Labour prime minister ever.
Following the meeting, the King’s spokesman said the King requested that Sir Keir formed 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,” he said.
Follow live updates: Rishi Sunak tells British public: ‘I am sorry’
Much of the country was turned red overnight, with Mr Sunak conceding defeat just before 5am on Friday and Sir Keir claiming victory shortly after.
Speaking on the steps of No 10, former prime minister Mr Sunak said he would not leave his role as Conservative Party leader immediately but would do so once a leadership race begins.
“I would like to say, first and foremost, I am sorry. I have given this job my all,” he said.
“But you have sent a clear signal that the government of the United Kingdom must change. And yours is the only judgement that matters.
“I have heard your anger, your disappointment and I take responsibility for this loss.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
The outgoing prime minister stood at a lectern outside Number 10 and apologised twice for the failure to win the general election.
Read more:
Labour’s landslide in charts
Gaza effect sees Labour lose seats
Mr Sunak also wished Sir Keir and his family well, adding: “Whatever our disagreements in this campaign, he is a decent, public-spirited man who I respect.
“He and his family deserve the very best of our understanding as they make the huge transition to their new lives behind this door and as he grapples with this most demanding of jobs in an increasingly unstable world.”
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
