Starmer sends message to Sunak in first speech as PM

Sir Keir Starmer thanked Rishi Sunak for his service to the country in his first speech as Prime Minister outside 10 Downing Street on Friday (July 5).

After being greeted with applause and cheers from his supporters, the new Prime Minister took the floor.

He said: “I have just returned from Buckingham Palace, where I accepted an invitation from His Majesty the King to form the next government of this great nation.

“I want to thank outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. His achievement as our country’s first British Asian Prime Minister, the extra effort that it took, cannot be underestimated by anyone. And we have paid tribute to him today.

“We also recognize the dedication and hard work he has demonstrated in his leadership.”