Keir Starmer has given his first national address as prime minister.
Speaking outside Downing Street, Starmer said he had just returned from Buckingham Palace where he had accepted an invitation from the King to form the next government 'of this great nation.'
Starmer is the country’s seventh Labour prime minister and the 58th prime minister.
In his speech he said, ‘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 we need to move forward, together.
'Now this wound, this lack of trust, can only be healed by actions, not words.’
He continued, ‘We can make a start today with the simple acknowledgment that public service is a privilege.
'And that your Government should treat every single person in this country with respect. 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.’
'Politics can be a force for good – we will show that. And that is how we will govern.
'Country first, party second.
'Yet, if I’m honest, service is merely a pre-condition for 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 through to calmer waters.
'And yet this depends upon politicians – particularly those who stand for stability and moderation – as I do - recognising when we must change course.
'For too long now, we've turned a blind eye as millions slid into greater insecurity, nurses, builders, drivers, carers, people doing the right thing, working harder every day, recognised at moments like this before.
'Yet, as soon as the cameras stop rolling, their lives are ignored. I want to say very clearly to those people – not this time.'
He said that changing a country was 'not like flicking a switch', but 'brick by brick we will build the infrastructure of opportunity' with 'world-class schools'.
He added, ‘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, and so my government will fight every day until you believe again.
‘From now, 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, end the era of noisy performance, tread more lightly on your lives.'
He ended the speech by saying, '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. Thank you very much.'
