Keir Starmer has been appointed the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom following Labour's landslide victory in the 2024 parliamentary elections. Starmer, who now leads the first Labour government in 14 years, has promised to govern for everyone, emphasizing unity and public service as his administration's core principles.
One of Starmer's initial actions as Prime Minister was to reverse the controversial Rwanda deportation plan, effectively ending the policy that aimed to send illegal immigrants to Rwanda in exchange for financial compensation. This move marks a significant shift from the previous Conservative government's approach to immigration.
Labour's victory is historic, with the party securing 412 of the 650 seats in the House of Commons, a dramatic increase from the 202 seats they held following the 2019 elections. The Conservatives, led by outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, suffered a devastating defeat, plummeting from 365 to around 120 seats. Sunak announced his resignation as party leader following the election results.
Starmer's new cabinet features a mix of experienced politicians and new faces. Notably, Rachel Reeves has been appointed as the first female Chancellor of the Exchequer in British history. Other key appointments include Angela Rayner as Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy as Foreign Secretary, and Yvette Cooper as Home Secretary.
The election results have also led to significant changes in Scotland, where Labour gained a substantial number of seats from the Scottish National Party (SNP), which advocates for Scottish independence. This shift could impact the ongoing debate about Scotland's future within the United Kingdom.
The financial markets responded positively to Labour's victory, with the British stock market and the pound showing moderate increases. This reflects a sense of stability and optimism about the new government's potential to address long-standing economic and social issues.
World leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, have congratulated Starmer on his victory. They expressed optimism about continued cooperation on global challenges such as security and economic stability.
As Starmer takes office, he faces the daunting task of addressing the political and economic challenges left by the previous administration. His commitment to public service and unity will be crucial in navigating these complexities and restoring public trust in the government.
