London, UK – Keir Starmer is set to be Britain’s next prime minister after his center-left Labour Party secured a commanding majority in the parliamentary election, ending 14 years of Conservative rule under Rishi Sunak.
At a triumphant rally in central London, Starmer, 61, addressed enthusiastic supporters, declaring, “Change begins here” and promising a “decade of national renewal” with a focus on putting “country first, party second.” He emphasized, “Tonight, people here and around the country have spoken, and they’re ready for change, to end the politics of performance, a return to politics as public service. You have voted. It is now time for us to deliver.”
Leaders worldwide have congratulated Starmer on his victory. President Sheikh Mohamed took to social media platform X, stating, “I extend my congratulations to Keir Starmer on becoming Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and I look forward to working together to further strengthen the longstanding partnership between our countries.” Similar messages were sent by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Other global leaders also extended their congratulations:
- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised Starmer, “He will be a very good, very successful prime minister… I also have the impression that we won’t have much trouble developing relations between Europe and the UK and between Germany and the UK.”
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her congratulations on X and highlighted the strong relations between Italy and the UK.
- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg affirmed, “I look forward to welcoming him and meeting him at the NATO summit in Washington next week.”
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared, “Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to @Keir_Starmer on the remarkable victory in the general elections.”
- Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris emphasized the importance of the UK-Ireland relationship, saying, “It is time for a great reset.”
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy commended the UK’s steadfast support under Sunak and looked forward to continued collaboration with Starmer.
- French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his intent to continue bilateral cooperation.
- Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere highlighted the mandate given to Starmer to change the course of the UK.
- European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen welcomed the opportunity to work together on common challenges.
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese looked forward to close collaboration, particularly on AUKUS.
- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called for building a more progressive and fair future.
- New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon emphasized the friendship between the UK and New Zealand and looked forward to future cooperation.
Labour’s resounding victory signifies a significant shift in British politics, as Starmer prepares to lead the nation with a renewed focus on public service and national renewal.