Keir Starmer sends message to Rishi Sunak in first speech as prime minister outside 10 Downing Street

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 ( 5 July).

After he was greeted by applause and cheers from supporters, the new Prime Minister took to the lectern.

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 the outgoing prime minister Rishi Sunak. His achievement as the first British-Asian prime minister of our country, the extra effort that that will have required, should not be underestimated by anyone. And we paid tribute to that today.

“We also recognise the dedication and hard work he brought to his leadership.”