Keir Starmer is the new UK prime minister following the Labour Party’s massive win in the general election held on July 4. Starmer was off to a fast start right away, calling world leaders and putting together his ministerial team.
According to BBC reports, 22 Labour lawmakers and party members were selected by Starmer for important cabinet positions, including a historic figure of eleven women. Rachel Reeves became the first female finance minister in the country’s history while David Lammy, who had just been elected as Britain’s first left-of-centre Prime Minister since Gordon Brown in 2010, was appointed foreign secretary.
Lucy Powell is now tasked with leading The House of Commons, overseeing government legislation and working with the Chief Whip on parliamentary business such as motions and debates. Lucy Powell will also take charge of matters relating to government business in Parliament over which she will liaise closely with the Chief Whip
‘We will rebuild Britain’
Among cheering crowds consisting mainly of flag-waving Labour supporters on Downing Street, Starmer promised that he would “rebuild” Britain after receiving an invitation from King Charles III to form a government during their meeting at Buckingham Palace.
“Our country has now voted decisively for change; national renewal and a return of politics back to public service.” These were among some statements made by this new UK PM aged sixty-one during his inaugural speech. This process starts immediately but worry not we are going to build England… A brick upon a brick we shall reconstruct opportunity infrastructure.”
Starmer called on opposition
As soon as he had assumed office officially, he initiated talks with various global leaders. For instance, in his conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky he restated London’s unwavering support for Kyiv against Russian invading forces. Meanwhile Joe Biden also talked with Starmer expressing strong ties between their countries.
The prime minister also spoke with European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen and the prime ministers of Canada, Italy, Ireland and Poland to strengthen the UK’s relationship with its key partners and allies. He told leaders in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland about how important it was that unity be maintained within the United Kingdom.
Starmer highlighted that same common bond between the European Union (EU) and UK when he held discussions with von der Leyen. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a phone call that Starmer would make an excellent “prime minister” after expressing confidence in his leadership qualities.
International reaction
According to The Guardian, Israel’s president Isaac Herzog has expressed readiness to cooperate with the new British government amid continued violence in Gaza. Herzog further thanked Rishi Sunak as outgoing Prime Minister for leading them through such tough times and always supporting Israeli people.
In contrast to trends among Britain’s closest Western allies where far-right political movements are gaining power or Donald Trump might come back as US President.
In a tweet, the former president of America congratulated Nigel Farage for winning his eighth UK parliamentary seat but he conspicuously failed to mention Starmer’s name.
Starmer was also congratulated by India on his election as the next PM and thanked former prime minister Rishi Sunak as well.
India’s premier Mr. Narendra Modi wished Starmer on the outstanding win in the UK general elections. In a tweet, he said: “I look forward to our positive and constructive collaboration to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in all areas, fostering mutual growth and prosperity.”
Tim Bale, a professor of political science at Queen Mary University London noted that it had been a heavy loss for conservatives but added that it was not an unmitigated disaster as had been feared. He stressed the need for Tories to plan well in order to make a comeback.
On his part, Nigel Farage, one of the leading campaigners for Brexit openly stated his desire to be leader of Conservative Party especially after he won convincingly in Clacton (Eastern England). Speaking after this victory he explained that “There is a massive gap on the centre-right of British politics, and my role is to fill it.” Farage articulated his determination to alter politics and influence Conservative Party as well.
