General Election results LIVE: Reeves becomes first female chancellor and Rayner deputy PM as Starmer names Cabinet

Rachel Reeves became Britain’s first female chancellor as Sir Keir Starmer named his cabinet after entering Downing Street on Friday.

Angela Rayner was appointed Deputy Prime Minister, while Yvette Cooper was made Home Secretary and David Lammy Foreign Secretary.

Lisa Nandy was the first surprise addition to Labour’s top team, as she was promoted to Culture Secretary, after the holder of the brief in Sir Keir’s shadow cabinet lost her seat to the Green Party.

Aside from Ms Nandy, it mirrors his shadow team, including John Healey being made Defence Secretary, Shabana Mahmood Justice Secretary, Wes Streeting Health Secretary, Bridget Phillipson Education Secretary and Ed Miliband Energy Secretary.

Earlier Sir Keir addressed the nation from Downing Street after being made Prime Minister by the King following Labour’s stunning election victory.

“The work of change begins immediately, but have no doubt, we will rebuild Britain,” he said in his first speech as the UK’s new leader. He concluded by saying: “Our work is urgent and we begin it today.”

Sir Keir was swept to power by a landslide Labour victory with bitter recriminations set to begin in the Tory ranks.Mr Sunak earlier apologised to the nation earlier in a speech from Downing Street, and he announced he will quit as leader of the Conservatives.

Speaking outside No. 10, Mr Sunak addressed the nation saying "I am sorry", adding: "I have heard your anger, your disappointment, and I take responsibility".

Mr Sunak’s term as Prime Minister ended in electoral disaster, with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK establishing a foothold in Parliament and the Liberal Democrats making significant gains. The Conservatives were also wiped out of Inner London as Greg Hands sensationally lost Chelsea and Fulham to Labour.

See all the London results here.

The Standard is bringing you all the major election day news as it happens...

Key developments:

• Labour wins landslide as Keir Starmer becomes PM

• Rishi Sunak concedes defeat and says: 'I'm sorry'

• Former PM Liz Truss loses seat in shock upset

• Jeremy Corbyn wins in Islington North

• Lib Dems win 'highest number of MPs in its history'

• London goes red as Tories reduced to just 9 MPs in capital

Who has Sir Keir Starmer picked to be in his Cabinet?

Friday 5 July 2024 20:07

• Angela Rayner – Deputy Prime Minister and Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Secretary

• Rachel Reeves – Chancellor

• Yvette Cooper – Home Secretary

• Pat McFadden – Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

• David Lammy – Foreign Secretary

• Wes Streeting – Health Secretary

• Bridget Phillipson – Education Secretary

• Ed Miliband – Energy Secretary

• Liz Kendall – Work and Pensions Secretary

• Shabana Mahmood – Justice Secretary

• John Healey – Defence Secretary

• Jonathan Reynolds – Business Secretary

• Peter Kyle – Technology Secretary

• Louise Haigh – Transport Secretary

• Lisa Nandy – Culture Secretary

• Steve Reed – Environment Secretary

• Hilary Benn – Northern Ireland Secretary

• Jo Stevens – Welsh Secretary

• Ian Murray – Scottish Secretary

• Lucy Powell – Commons Leader

• Baroness Smith – Leader of the Lords

Coverage ends

Friday 5 July 2024 21:55 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Here ends our live blog for today. Thanks for following along on a momentous day in British politics.

For more political coverage, click here.

'Education will be at heart of national story' says Bridget Phillipson

Friday 5 July 2024 21:01 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Bridget Phillipson, who has been appointed Education Secretary, has said the new Labour Government will break down barriers to give children better opportunities.

Ms Phillipson said: “Opportunity should be for all – not just a lucky few. That’s why education is at the heart of the change this new government will make and will be at the forefront of national life.

“Education is key to improving children’s life chances. Lives are shaped by opportunity but too many people of all ages, in too many parts of this great country, simply don’t have the opportunities to succeed – this Government will make sure they do.

“We’ll break down those barriers to opportunity through supporting children to get the best start in life, high and rising school standards for all and skills training to support growth, so that everyone can achieve and thrive.

“...Education will be at the heart of our national story, and it’s our workforces who are at the heart of education.”

'The hard work begins today' says new Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy

Friday 5 July 2024 20:38 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Lisa Nandy has vowed to do everything in her power to “change lives for the better” in her new position as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

The 44-year-old takes over from Conservative Lucy Frazer, who lost her Ely and East Cambridgeshire seat to the Liberal Democrats.

Ms Nandy said she is “thrilled” to be appointed to the department by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

“Its industries give meaning to millions of lives and bring communities in our towns, villages and cities together,” she said in a statement.

“As Culture Secretary, I will do everything I can to harness the limitless potential of the extraordinary people in these amazing sectors to drive economic growth, unlock opportunities for everyone and change lives for the better.

“The hard work begins today.”

NHS is broken and patients are being failed daily, says new Health Secretary

Friday 5 July 2024 20:27 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

The NHS is “broken” and “patients are being failed on a daily basis”, Wes Streeting has said in his first statement as Health and Social Care Secretary.

Mr Streeting said that the service is “going through the biggest crisis in its history” and it cannot be fixed overnight.

But he pledged to start the work to try and resolve the issues “today”.

“When we said during the election campaign, that the NHS was going through the biggest crisis in its history, we meant it,” he said.

“When we said that patients are being failed on a daily basis, it wasn’t political rhetoric, but the daily reality faced by millions.

“Previous governments have not been willing to admit these simple facts. But in order to cure an illness, you must first diagnose it.

“This Government will be honest about the challenges facing our country, and serious about tackling them.”

He went on: “From today, the policy of this department is that the NHS is broken.

“That is the experience of patients who are not receiving the care they deserve, and of the staff working in the NHS who can see that – despite giving their best – this is not good enough.”

Starmer has spoken to US president Joe Biden

Friday 5 July 2024 19:55 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Sir Keir has spoken to Joe Biden and the two leaders said they look forward to meeting at the Nato summit in Washington next week.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States Joe Biden this afternoon. The President congratulated the Prime Minister on his election victory and the Prime Minister thanked him for his kind words.

“The leaders discussed their shared commitment to the special relationship between the UK and US, and their aligned ambitions for greater economic growth.

“Discussing geopolitical challenges, the leaders reiterated their steadfast commitment to Ukraine and the Prime Minister underscored that the UK’s support for Ukraine was unwavering.

“The Prime Minister said he looked forward to working side by side across the breadth of the relationship, including the Aukus partnership and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. The leaders reflected on their shared commitment to protecting the gains of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.”

CEO of Timpson Shoe Repairs made peer and Minister of State for Prisons

Friday 5 July 2024 19:45 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

James Timpson OBE of Timpson shoe repairs will also be made a peer as well as Minister of State for Prisons, Parole and Probation in the Ministry of Justice.

He has advocated for employing former prisoners.

Sir Patrick Vallance made Minister for State for Science and given peerage

Friday 5 July 2024 19:44 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Sir Patrick Vallance, who was chief scientific adviser to the government during the Covid-19 pandemic, has been appointed a Minister of State for science in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

He will also be made a peer.

Sir Patrick has backed Labour’s flagship manifesto pledge to set up a publicly owned energy firm.

Alan Campbell appointed chief whip

Friday 5 July 2024 19:28

Sir Keir Starmer has appointed Sir Alan Campbell as chief whip and Darren Jones as Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

Barrister Richard Hermer KC will become Attorney General rather than Emily Thornberry, who was shadow attorney general when Labour was in opposition.

They will all attend Cabinet and Mr Hermer will become a lifetime peer, Downing Street said.

Who's in Keir Starmer's new cabinet as Labour wins big?

Friday 5 July 2024 19:16 , Miriam Burrell

We take a look at the faces who will shape Britain's future in the coming years, including Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

Read more here.

Joe Biden congratulates Keir Starmer

Friday 5 July 2024 18:55 , Miriam Burrell

US President Joe Biden has congratulated Sir Keir Starmer and said he looks forward to “further strengthening the special relationship” with the UK.

A Week's a Long Time in Westminster ....The Standard podcast

Friday 5 July 2024 18:48 , Miriam Burrell

Labour's historic victory has been broken down by our politics team - Nicholas Cecil, Jitendra Joshi and Rachael Burford.

In this episode:

• How London's political landscape has changed

• Why Keir Starmer's now facing the 'hard part'

• What's next for the Conservative party?

• Did Reform UK and the Lib Dems do as well as they hoped?

Listen here.

The faces of Labour's new cabinet

Friday 5 July 2024 18:44 , Miriam Burrell

Sir Keir Starmer has spent his first few hours in Downing Street appointing the first Labour cabinet in 14 years.

Here are the faces that will make up Mr Starmer’s cabinet.

Sir Keir appoints leaders of Commons and Lords

Friday 5 July 2024 18:28 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Sir Keir has now appointed leaders of the upper and lower houses of Parliament.

Lucy Powell will be Leader of the House of Commons. Ms Powell, MP for Manchester Central, will also be Lord President of the Council.

Baroness Smith of Basildon will be Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal.

Both previously served in the shadow cabinet in the same roles.

New Zealand news outlet pre-recorded election coverage before going off-air

Friday 5 July 2024 18:24

A New Zealand news outlet pre-recorded its UK general election coverage “weeks in advance” prior to permanently going off air.

The last broadcasts of Newshub took place on Friday as the results came in across the UK, bringing a Labour landslide of more than 410 MPs.

In a piece to camera recorded outside Downing Street, Newshub Europe correspondent Lisette Reymer told viewers: “The change has appeared inevitable for months, if not years.

“Today’s result was so predictable I was able to confidentially film this weeks in advance before flying home to New Zealand.”

Read the full story here.

King tells Starmer 'you must be exhausted' in private audience at Buckingham Palace

Friday 5 July 2024 18:06 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

The King told Sir Keir Starmer he “must be exhausted” and “nearly on your knees” during a private audience with the Prime Minister this afternoon.

Sir Keir was welcomed at Buckingham Palace just after noon for a private audience with the monarch on his appointment as Prime Minister.

He arrived in a chauffeur-driven car with his wife Lady Victoria Starmer, who works in occupational health for the NHS.

In a video shared by Buckingham Palace, the PM could be seen entering the private audience room where shook hands with Charles.

The King quipped: “You must be exhausted and nearly on your knees.”

Sir Keir responded: “Not much sleep”.

“Anyway, you’re here,” replied Charles.

Later in the meeting, the PM highlighted the “quick change around” since the results were first announced, to which the King remarked: “To say the least. And having to get to grips with everything straight away must be quite exhausting.”

Their historic meeting saw Sir Keir follow Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss to become the head of state’s third prime minister.

Buckingham Palace said: “The King received in audience the Right Honourable Sir Keir Starmer MP today and requested him to form a new administration. Sir Keir accepted His Majesty’s offer and kissed hands upon his appointment as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury.”

'Go on my son' says jubilant Farage as Reform wins fifth seat

Friday 5 July 2024 17:52 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

“Go on my son” said Nigel Farage after it was announced this evening Reform UK have won their fifth parliamentary seat.

After a recount, the party won the Basildon South and East Thurrock constituency in Essex with a majority of just 98 votes, from Labour candidate Jack Ferguson.

“Our candidate James McMurdock was a paper candidate, drafted in at the last minute, former city boy, and he was absolutely neck-and-neck with Labour,” Mr Farage said in a video posted on X, formerly Twitter.

“So I rang him up and said ‘Look, give me the name of your agent, so I can find out what’s happening because they were on the third recount’ – he said ‘I haven’t got an agent. I’m my own agent.’

“I said, ‘well, who’s in the hall watching the vote count? And he said ‘my mum and dad’ – and he’s won. He’s an MP – go on my son!”

Four more Cabinet appointments announced by No 10

Friday 5 July 2024 17:42

In other, expected appointments announced by Downing Street, Steve Reed has been named Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary.

Hilary Benn Northern has been named Ireland Secretary, Ian Murray Scotland Secretary, and Jo Stevens Secretary of State for Wales.

Lisa Nandy made Culture Secretary in surprise appointment

Friday 5 July 2024 17:40 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

In the first surprise of Sir Keir Starmer’s Cabinet assembly so far, Lisa Nandy has been promoted to Culture Secretary.

It comes after Thangam Debbonaire, who held the brief in Starmer’s shadow cabinet, lost her Bristol Central seat to the Green Party.

Ms Nandy was previously shadow cabinet minister for international development, having been demoted from shadow levelling up secretary in the Labour leader’s last reshuffle in 2023.

Wes Streeting vows to save NHS that 'saved my life'

Friday 5 July 2024 17:34 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Newly appointed Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting has posted on X: “The NHS saved my life. Now I’m determined to save our NHS. That work starts today.”

Ilford North MP Mr Streeting underwent surgery in London in 2021 to remove a kidney that had been found to contain a cancerous tumour.

Reform UK wins fifth seat following recount

Friday 5 July 2024 17:24 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Reform UK have won a fifth seat in the General Election after a recount in the Basildon South and East Thurrock constituency in Essex.

James McMurdock won the seat with a majority of just 98 votes from Labour candidate Jack Ferguson.

Benjamin Netanyahu congratulates Starmer, thanks Sunak

Friday 5 July 2024 17:10 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has congratulated Sir Keir Starmer on his election victory and said he hopes they can work towards “security and peace” - after Labour were defeated in several seats by pro-Palestine candidates.

Mr Netanyahu posted on X: “On behalf of the State of Israel, I extend my warm congratulations to (Sir Keir) Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

“I am confident that we will continue working together to strengthen the historic friendship between the UK and Israel and to advance the twin goals of security and peace.”

He also thanked Rishi Sunak for “his friendship and support over the years”.

Reeves says boosting economic growth 'central mission' of Labour Government

Friday 5 July 2024 17:04 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said she wants the Labour Government to work “hand in glove with business” as she vowed its “central mission” would be to boost economic growth.

“The central mission of this new Government will be to restore economic growth,” she said in an address to Treasury staff.

“To deliver on this mission, I want this to be the most pro-growth Treasury in our country’s history. That will mean doing what the Treasury does best – building growth on a rock of economic stability.”

She said Labour would usher in a new era of industrial strategy as it embarks on its “energy transition.”

“Working hand-in-glove with business, to make sure Britain is truly open to business once again,” she said.

“And I know that in an uncertain world, if we can deliver the stability, investment and reform that the Prime Minister and I have set out, then Britain can reap the rewards.”

New Foreign Secretary David Lammy calls for 'immediate ceasefire' in Gaza

Friday 5 July 2024 17:01

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has said he wants to see “an immediate ceasefire” in the Israel-Gaza conflict.

“I will do all I can diplomatically to support Joe Biden in bringing about that ceasefire,” he said speaking from the Foreign Office.

Asked by reporters if he would be willing to work with Donald Trump should he be re-elected, Mr Lammy said: “I will work closely with whoever is in the White House in the end. The US is a great democracy.

“In democracies, of course, there is debate and discussion and difference.

“We’ve seen that over the last six weeks in our own country, but the job of international security, the key partnership role that the UK and US play is hugely important.”

Reeves vows to fight for equality for women, as first female Chancellor

Friday 5 July 2024 16:51

Addressing the Treasury for the first time, Rachel Reeves said it a “a huge privilege to be the first-ever female Chancellor of the Exchequer”.

Addressing “every young woman and girl watching this”, she said: “Let today show that there should be no ceilings on your ambitions, your hopes, or your dreams.

“But there is a deeper responsibility too,” she added. “To women whose work is too often undervalued, who have borne the brunt of inequality, and whose lives and interests are too often excluded from economic policy-making.

“Together, we are going to change that.”

Four more Labour MPs appointed to Starmer's Cabinet

Friday 5 July 2024 16:47 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Sir Keir Starmer has named Liz Kendall Work and Pensions Secretary, Downing Street said as it announced more Cabinet appointments.

Jonathan Reynolds is Business and Trade Secretary and the president of the Board of Trade.

The new Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology is Peter Kyle.

Louise Haigh was made Transport Secretary, with all retaining the roles they held in the shadow cabinet.

'There is no time to waste' Reeves tells Treasury staff

Friday 5 July 2024 16:45 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said “there is no time to waste” as she addressed Treasury staff for the first time.

She said: “I have been a Member of Parliament for 14 years now. And if I’m honest, I’ve spent a lot of those years frustrated. Talking, not doing. Responding to constituents’ problems, but not being able to get to the root cause of those problems.

“So as far as I’m concerned, there is no time to waste.

“I will judge my time in office a success if I know that, at the end of it, there are working-class kids from ordinary backgrounds living richer lives, their horizons expanded, and their potential realised.

“If we are leaving to the next generation a country that is more prosperous, with more good jobs paying decent wages, and a country better able to thrive in an uncertain world.”

Michael Gove congratulates Angela Rayner on becoming Levelling Up Secretary

Friday 5 July 2024 16:44 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Michael Gove has congratulated Angela Rayner, who shadowed him as Levelling Up Secretary, for taking on the brief in Sir Keir Starmer’s Cabinet.

The senior Tory, who did not stand for re-election, tweeted: “Congratulations to @AngelaRayner on taking over such a wonderful department with a truly great team of civil servants – wishing her all the best on Levelling Up.”

Increasing police on streets and boosting border security will be first steps, says new Home Secretary

Friday 5 July 2024 16:39 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Yvette Cooper has vowed her first steps as Home Secretary will be to “get neighbourhood police back on our streets” and set up a “new Border Security Command”.

Speaking outside the Home Office, she said: “The first duty of any government is to keep our country safe, to keep our communities safe and to keep our borders secure.

“That is why my first task as I go into the Home Office will be Labour’s first steps – which means trying to get neighbourhood police back on our streets, in our communities, and also setting up the new Border Security Command to go after the criminal boat gangs that are organising the dangerous boat crossings.

“We know there are a lot of challenges ahead and after 14 years there is some difficult legacy that we will inherit, and we know that that will mean hard graft and not gimmicks ahead in order to tackle that.

“...Our task has to be to bring people back together and to restore respect and to restore trust – as Keir Starmer has said today, to restore politics to public service as well. Let the change begin.”

More Labour frontbenchers arrive at No 10

Friday 5 July 2024 16:32

Darren Jones and Hilary Benn were among the next wave of Labour frontbenchers to arrive at Downing Street.

Mr Benn asked reporters: “Have you been rained on today?”

Steve Reed entered No 10 shortly afterwards.

'We did it': New PM Starmer embraces wife Victoria on Evening Standard's front page

Friday 5 July 2024 16:30

Don’t forget you can read all about what has been a momentous day in British politics, by picking up a free copy of the Evening Standard across London.

Crowds of supporters cheer Labour MPs as they arrive on Downing Stret

Friday 5 July 2024 16:24 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

A crowd of supporters has been outside Downing Street since Sir Keir Starmer delivered his speech around four hours ago.

Members of the public are gathered behind railings at the entrance to the famous street, and have been cheering prospective members of the Prime Minister’s new Cabinet as they enter.

Lammy vows to help UK navigate world's 'huge challenges' as Foreign Secretary

Friday 5 July 2024 16:18

David Lammy said it was “the honour of my life” to serve as the UK’s new Foreign Secretary.

He said in a tweet on X: “It is the honour of my life to be appointed Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.

“The world faces huge challenges, but we will navigate them with the UK’s enormous strengths.

“We will reconnect Britain for our security and prosperity at home.”

Ex-PM Ed Miliband appointed to Cabinet

Friday 5 July 2024 16:15

Sir Keir Starmer also appointed Ed Miliband Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

The MP for Doncaster North led the Labour party from 2010 to 2015.

Wes Streeting made Health Secretary as Bridget Phillipson becomes Education Secretary

Friday 5 July 2024 16:14

Wes Streeting has been appointed Health Secretary after clinging on to his Ilford North seat by just a few hundred votes.

Bridget Phillipson has been made Education Secretary.

She became the first MP elected overnight as her constituency, Houghton and Sunderland South, was the first to declare results.

Ex-barrister Shabana Mahmood becomes Justice Secretary

Friday 5 July 2024 16:13

Shabana Mahmood has been named Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice.

The former barrister, a key ally of the new Prime Minister, held on to her Birmingham Ladywood seat despite a challenge from an pro-Gaza Independent candidate.

Becoming Chancellor 'honour of my life' says Reeves, urging girls to dream big

Friday 5 July 2024 16:10 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Rachel Reeves has described becoming first female Chancellor as “the honour of my life” and a sign for women and girls that there should be “no limit to your ambitions.”

“It is the honour of my life to have been appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer,” she wrote on X.

“Economic growth was the Labour Party’s mission. It is now a national mission. Let’s get to work.”

She added: “To every young girl and woman reading this, let today show that there should be no limit to your ambitions.”

Who is Britain's first female Chancellor, Rachel Reeves?

Friday 5 July 2024 16:06

As Rachel Reeves becomes the first female Chancellor of the Exchequer following her appointment by Sir Keir Starmer, you can read a full rundown on her life and career here.

Rachel Reeves smiles as she stands outside 11 Downing Street

Friday 5 July 2024 16:04

Rachel Reeves smiled for the cameras as she left No 10 and headed to 11 Downing Street, having been appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer.

No 11 is the official residence of the Chancellor.

More Labour frontbenchers arrive in Downing Street as Cabinet appointment continues

Friday 5 July 2024 15:55 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Another wave of Lavour frontbenchers have arrived at Downing Street during that flurry of Cabinet appointments, including Lisa Nandy, Ian Murray, Louise Haigh, Lucy Powell and Liz Kendall.

Ms Nandy walked into No 10 nearly a year after she was demoted from the shadow cabinet.

Wearing an all-grey suit, she smiled at reporters and entered the building at around 3.35pm.

Shortly afterwards new Chancellor Rachel Reeves left No 10 and appeared to head towards the Treasury.

David Lammy becomes Foreign Secretary, as Yvette Cooper is made Home Secretary

Friday 5 July 2024 15:49 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

As Sir Keir Starmer’s first Cabinet announcements trickle in, David Lammy has been appointed as Foreign Secretary.

There had been some questions over whether he would keep the role he held in the shadow cabinet after he kept a relatively low profile during the election campaign.

Yvette Cooper has been named Home Secretary and John Healey is the Defence Secretary, No 10 said.

Pat McFadden has been appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

As national campaign coordinator, he has played a central role in shaping Labour’s direction in the run-up to the election.

Photos show hecklers being removed from Reform UK press conference

Friday 5 July 2024 15:48 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Images show hecklers being escorted from a chaotic press conference given by Nigel Farage in Westminster this afternoon.

You can read more about what happened in our recent blog posts.

Who is new deputy PM Angela Rayner?

Friday 5 July 2024 15:46 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

As Angela Rayner becomes new deputy prime minister of the UK, read a full run-down of the Greater Manchester MP’s background and beliefs here.

Nigel Farage vows at chaotic press conference to rid Reform UK of 'bad apples'

Friday 5 July 2024 15:43

Nigel Farage has given a “100% promise” to rid Reform UK of “bad apples”, as multiple protesters disrupted an event designed to celebrate the party’s election gains.

The Reform UK leader faced a barrage of heckles from protesters in the audience as he tried to start a speech in central London to mark what the party described as a “political earthquake”.

He suggested one of the protesters had had a “bigger lunch than I have”, and that another was at risk of having a stroke before questioning if they were actors – a nod to a Reform canvasser filmed using a racial slur to describe now former prime minister Rishi Sunak.

Mr Farage told his party’s supporters: “This is good preparation for the House of Commons I suppose, isn’t it? It’s going to be very lively in there.”

After claiming the General Election showed there was “absolutely no enthusiasm” for Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour, Mr Farage reiterated his party’s ambitions to act as the opposition to the new Government.

“Above all what we’re going to do from today is we’re going to professionalise the party, we’re going to democratise the party, and those few bad apples that have crept in will be gone, will be long gone, and we will never have any of their type back in our organisation,” he added.

“You have a 100% promise on that.”

Ed Miliband all smiles as he enters No 10

Friday 5 July 2024 15:36

Ed Miliband said it was “a fantastic day” as he entered No 10 just now.

The former Labour party leader, wearing a bright red tie and grinning broadly, shared some brief exchanges with reporters as he walked up Downing Street.

Rachel Reeves becomes first female Chancellor of the Exchequer

Friday 5 July 2024 15:34 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Rachel Reeves has been appointed Sir Keir Starmer’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, becoming the first woman to take charge of the Treasury.

The former Bank of England economist retains the brief she held in the shadow cabinet, as expected.

Someone 'younger and better-looking' will likely lead Reform UK at next election, says Farage

Friday 5 July 2024 15:31 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Channel 4 asked Mr Farage about the leadership and direction of Reform UK, to which he said he would stay at the helm but indicated that by the 2029 election “somebody younger and better-looking” will have come along.

He said: “I think this was going to be the first step of a very, very big journey that this was a five…year plan.

“I believe with structure, funding, professionalism, we can be in a very, very serious position to contest the 2029 general election.

“I suspect by then somebody younger and better-looking will come along and when they do I will recognise it. I will go on leading (the party)… until such a time when somebody else comes along.”

Farage calls Channel 4 'stitch-up merchants'

Friday 5 July 2024 15:29

As Starmer appoints his new Cabinet, elsewhere in central London Nigel Farage has been giving a press conference.

He laughed and said “stitch-up merchants” as he was asked a question by Channel 4 News - the channel responsible for an undercover investigation, which captured a volunteer for his Reform UK party making racist remarks.

Mr Farage took a question from a Channel 4 journalist and said “this should be good” before she was given a microphone which was met with cheers from the audience.

Before she asked the question he said “stitch-up merchants, go on”.

Angela Rayner appointed deputy prime minister

Friday 5 July 2024 15:21 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Angela Rayner has been appointed Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. She will also be Deputy Prime Minister.

Bridget Phillipson and Yvette Cooper arrive

Friday 5 July 2024 15:15 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Wearing a lavender-coloured dress, Bridget Phillipson entered No 10 shortly after 3pm.

Ms Phillipson did not give any comment to reporters as she approached No 10, but smiled as she walked towards the building.

She was followed by Yvette Cooper – one of the few people set to be appointed to Sir Keir’s Cabinet who has previously served in a ministerial position, having been Work and Pensions Secretary under Gordon Brown.

Reform will go after Labour votes, says Nigel Farage

Friday 5 July 2024 15:08 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Nigel Farage has just said Reform UK’s focus will be on going “after Labour votes”.

The new MP for Clacton told a London press conference: “Old Labour was very, very patriotic. It believed in the country. It believed in its people. New Labour far less so.

“And the journey that Lee Anderson has been on is a journey that at least a couple of million people have been on, and it’ll be many, many more by the time we’re finished, because no doubt, our priority now is to go after Labour votes. That is what we’re going to be doing.”

Introducing Reform’s new Ashfield MP Mr Anderson, Mr Farage said: “Lee Anderson took a brave decision. He decided to join Reform UK. He was much mocked and derided by colleagues who had similar political opinions to him but didn’t have the guts to do it. They’ve all lost their seats overnight.”

Smiling Wes Streeting and David Lammy arrive to meet with new PM

Friday 5 July 2024 15:06 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Wes Streeting and David Lammy have both entered No10.

Asked he if he was going to be appointed in the new Government Cabinet, Mr Streeting said: “We’ll find out in a minute.”

Mr Lammy smiled at reporters’ questions as he made his way through Downing Street.

More top Labour politicians stride into Downing Street

Friday 5 July 2024 15:05 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Peter Kyle, who has served as shadow technology secretary since a reshuffle last year, arrived in Downing Street.

Bridget Phillipson, who is likely to be the education secretary, was the next to enter No 10.

Shadow defence secretary John Healey arrives

Friday 5 July 2024 15:03

John Healey, the shadow defence secretary who has served as MP for Wentworth and Dearne since 1997, has just joined other senior Labour politicians at No10.

Rachel Reeves arrives at No10

Friday 5 July 2024 14:58 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

A smiling Rachel Reeves, likely to become the next chancellor, was the next person to arrive in Downing Street.

She was closely followed by Shabana Mahmood.

'We'd have nearly 100 seats under MMP' says Farage as he pushes for electoral reform

Friday 5 July 2024 14:57 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Mr Farage has slammed the first past the post system at his press conference, saying: “We’d be looking at nearly 100 seats [under mixed-member proportional representation].

He said it is “very much our view that first past the post is not fit for purpose”.

“We will campaign to change this electoral system…and make those arguments in parliament as quickly as we can,” he added.

Nigel Farage heckled at Reform UK press conference

Friday 5 July 2024 14:54 , Lydia Chhantler-Hicks

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has been heckled at a press conference in central London.

The event was delayed as a man was escorted out of the room in Westminster, before more shouting was heard as new Clacton MP Mr Farage stood behind a podium.

Mr Farage repeatedly shouted “boring” in response to the heckling.

Friday 5 July 2024 14:47 , Pat McFadden arrives in Downing Street

Pat McFadden has also just arrived at Downing Street.

Mr McFadden has served as Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East since 2005, and prior to the election was Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Labour National Campaign Coordinator.

Angela Rayner arrives in Downing Street

Friday 5 July 2024 14:39 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Deputy Leader of the Labour Party Angela Rayner has just arrived at No10 Downing Street, as Sir Keir Starmer begins appointing his Cabinet.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky congratulates Starmer on 'convincing win

Friday 5 July 2024 14:31 , Sami Quadri

Sinn Fein says election result creates 'opportunity to improve Britain-Ireland relations'

Friday 5 July 2024 14:05 , Sami Quadri

Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald has said the General Election result creates “a major opportunity to improve relations between Britain and Ireland”.

She said: “Sinn Fein is determined to build a constructive relationship with the new Labour government.

“We look forward to working positively with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the many shared priorities for Ireland and Britain during this historic time of renewal.

“After 14 years of Tory rule, marked by dysfunction and chaos, they crudely undermined the Good Friday Agreement during Brexit, harming citizens and communities.

“They also abandoned co-operation with Dublin, causing significant damage.”

She added: “The new Labour government now has a huge opportunity to reset relations with the Irish Government and the power-sharing (Stormont) Executive, where First Minister Michelle O’Neill will work to restore effective co-operation.

“We expect the new Prime Minister to uphold the Good Friday Agreement, which Labour helped deliver, ensuring its political, legal and constitutional guarantees are respected. This includes respecting all our national identities, political allegiances and working together to defend peace and build on reconciliation efforts.

“The British Government must embrace principles of rigorous impartiality and the right to self-determination and constitutional change toward Irish reunification.”

Deaf charity hits out lack of BSL interpreter at Starmer speech

Friday 5 July 2024 14:03

Sir Keir has been accused of excluding the Deaf community by not having a BSL interpreter for his address.

According to the hearing charity RNID, government officials have pledged to have British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters on hand for big announcements from spring 2024.

But there was no interpreter in sight during Mr Starmer's speech outside 10 Downing Street.

There was a BSL interpreter on the BBC News channel's coverage of the speech.

Pictured: Sir Keir Starmer and wife Victoria welcomed to Downing Street

Friday 5 July 2024 13:10

Starmer ends speech: 'Our work is urgent and begins today'

Friday 5 July 2024 12:56 , Josh Salisbury

Sir Keir finishes by the work of change is “urgent and we begin it today.”

“With respect and humility, I invite you all to join this Government of service, in the mission of national renewal,” he says. “Our work is urgent and we begin it today.”

Crowds of supporters marked the end of the historic speech by cheering and applauding, with Sir Keir also taking the opportunity to embrace those gathered outside.

The Labour leader then poses for a photo outside the famous black door with his wife Victoria.

Starmer: The work of change begins immediately

Friday 5 July 2024 12:51 , Josh Salisbury

Sir Keir continues by warning that the world is a more volatile place, and that change will take time.

“But have no doubt that the work of change begins immediately,” he says.

“Have no doubt that we will rebuild Britain. With wealth created in every community, our NHS back on its feet facing the future, secure borders, safer streets, everyone treated with dignity and respect at work.”

He adds: “If I ask you now whether you believe Britain will be better for your children, I know too many of you will say no. And so my Government will fight every day until you believe again.”

Keir Starmer begins historic first address to nation as PM

Friday 5 July 2024 12:46 , Josh Salisbury

Sir Keir has begun his speech by thanking Rishi Sunak, noting his achievement as the first British Asian PM of the UK.

However, he says: “But now our country has voted decisively for change, for national renewal, and a return of politics to public service.”

He says the politics of the past few years has drained away the public’s hopes, and that the lack of trust can only be healed with action.

“Your government should treat every single person with respect,” he says, vowing the govern for the country as a whole.

PM Starmer greets supporters to loud cheers outside No10

Friday 5 July 2024 12:43

Sir Keir was greeted with loud cheers as his car arrived in Downing Street.

The Labour leader strolled along Downing Street with his wife Victoria, thanking supporters, who were waving union flags, in an echo of Blair’s famous 1997 entry into No10.

He looks elated - and because he’s greeting so many supporters, it’s actually taking him quite a long time to get to the lectern for his speech.

Sir Keir to give Downing St speech imminently

Friday 5 July 2024 12:28 , Josh Salisbury

The new PM Sir Keir Starmer has arrived at his new home of No10 Downing Street, where he will greet waiting crowds and address the nation.

The lectern for the speech is now outside the famous black door - and luckily for Sir Keir, the sun has come out for the occasion.

However, the Labour leader has not stopped at the end of Downing St.

Pictured: Sir Keir Starmer becomes Prime Minister

Friday 5 July 2024 12:21 , Josh Salisbury

A picture of the historic moment when Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was invited to form the next Government by King Charles has been released by the Palace.

Sir Keir is expected to give a speech outside Downing Street shortly.

Crowds await Sir Keir's arrival at No10

Friday 5 July 2024 12:19

There’s a distinctly Blair 1997 set-up to the arrangements outside Downing Street as crowds await Sir Keir’s arrival as PM.

The crowds have been handed Union flags to mark the occasion in an echo of Mr Blair’s arrival into No10 three decades ago.

Keir Starmer arrives at Buckingham Palace

Friday 5 July 2024 12:01 , Josh Salisbury

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has arrived at Buckingham Palace to meet King Charles.

There he will be formally invited to form a government and become Prime Minister.

We’re then expecting a first speech as PM to the nation outside No10 Downing St.

Former prime minister Gordon Brown congratulates Sir Keir Starmer

Friday 5 July 2024 11:37

Sunak has 'tendered resignation' to the King

Friday 5 July 2024 11:32 , Sami Quadri

Rishi Sunak has formally stepped down from his role as prime minister. This morning, he met with King Charles at Buckingham Palace to tender his resignation. The Palace subsequently released an official statement confirming the event:

A statement from Buckingham Palace said: "The Right Honourable Rishi Sunak MP had an audience of the King this morning and tendered his resignation as prime minister and first lord of the Treasury, which His Majesty was graciously pleased to accept."

Sunak cracks joke about dietary habits with King Charles' private secretary

Friday 5 July 2024 11:28 , Sami Quadri

Upon his arrival at Buckingham Palace shortly after 10:50am, Rishi Sunak exchanged a few words with Sir Clive Alderton, King Charles' principal private secretary. Mr Sunak appeared to joke about his dietary habits on the campaign trail, telling the royal aide: "I've been eating plenty of sandwiches on the road."

As per tradition, Mr Sunak's wife is expected to join him and the King at Buckingham Palace towards the conclusion of the audience.

Pictured: Sunak at Buckingham Palace

Friday 5 July 2024 11:14 , Josh Salisbury

We are now getting pictures of Rishi Sunak at Buckingham Palace tendering his resignation.

The meeting between King Charles and the outgoing PM will however be held privately.

Sunak arrives at Buckingham Palace to tender resignation

Friday 5 July 2024 10:59 , Josh Salisbury

Rishi Sunak has now arrived at Buckingham Palace to formally tender his resignation to the King.

Mr Sunak was joined by his wife Akshata Murty and was greeted at the King's door by Sir Clive Alderton, principal private secretary to the King and Queen, and the King's equerry Commander William Thornton, Royal Navy.

He is expected to leave privately and unseen with his family after the audience with King Charles.

Sunak ends speech: 'I am honoured to have been your PM'

Friday 5 July 2024 10:52 , Josh Salisbury

Flanked by his wife Akshata Murty, Mr Sunak ends by striking a personal note, thanking his family for their support.

He says: “One of the most remarkable things about Britain is just how unremarkable it is that just two generations after my grandparents came here with little, I could become Prime Minister.

“And that I could watch my two young daughters light Diwali candles on the steps in Downing Street. We must hold true to that idea of who we are ... that vision of kindess, decency and tolerance that has always been the British way.

“This is a difficult day, at the end of a number of difficult days. But I leave this job honoured to have been your Prime Minister.”

Sunak wishes Keir Starmer well in role as PM

Friday 5 July 2024 10:46 , Josh Salisbury

Continuing his speech, Mr Sunak wishes Sir Keir Starmer well as he becomes the new Prime Minister.

“Sir Keir Starmer will shortly become our Prime Minister. In this job, his successes will be all of our successes, and I wish him and his family well,” he says.

“Whatever our disagreements ... he is a decent, public-spirited man who I respect.”

Sunak resigns: 'I am sorry'

Friday 5 July 2024 10:43

Rishi Sunak has begun his resignation speech by saying he is “sorry” and that he has “given this job my all”.

He confirms he will not stand down as party leader immediately, but after an election for a successor has taken place.

He says: “I have heard your anger, your disappointment and I take responsibility for this loss.”

He also apologises to Conservative candidates who have lost their seats and thanks them for their work.

Rishi Sunak prepares to give final speech outside Downing Street

Friday 5 July 2024 10:24

We are expecting Rishi Sunak to come outside No10 Downing Street for his final speech as Prime Minister in the next few minutes.

A lectern has just appeared, with Mr Sunak due to make an appearance by 10.30am.

Stand by and we will bring you what the outgoing PM says.

Labour gain Poole from Tories with razor-thin majority

Friday 5 July 2024 10:10

Labour has gained Poole in Dorset from the Conservatives by a razor-thin 18 votes.

Its candidate Neil Duncan-Jordan overturned a majority of 18,608 to win the result.

There are now only three seats left to declare nationally.

As things stand, Labour has 412 seats out of 650 seats, and the Conservatives just 120.

This means on percentage terms of seats at least, Labour’s performance is close to that of Blair in 1997, who won 418 seats out of the-then total of 659 seats.

Jeremy Hunt leaves Downing Street for last time

Friday 5 July 2024 09:36 , Josh Salisbury

Outgoing Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has left No11 Downing Street for the last time.

Mr Hunt clung onto his seat in Godalming and Ash by 891 votes, and so avoided being the first sitting Chancellor to be ousted in a General Election.

Mr Hunt will now be succeeded in the powerful role by Labour’s Rachel Reeves - who will be the country’s first-ever woman Chancellor.

Sunak pictured leaving Conservative HQ after bruising loss

Friday 5 July 2024 09:19 , Josh Salisbury

Outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been pictured looking somewhat forlorn as he leaves Conservative Party HQ in Westminster.

Mr Sunak is expected to make a statement at 10.30am before going to Buckingham Palace to hand in his resignation as PM.

Here's what London's political map now looks like

Friday 5 July 2024 09:10 , Josh Salisbury

With the narrow Labour victory of just 15 in Hendon declared, all of London’s seats have now chosen their MP.

Here is how the political map of London now looks.

The Conservatives have only nine MPs, which is their worst-ever General Election showing in the capital and matches their poor performance nationwide.

Labour wins final London seat by just 15 votes

Friday 5 July 2024 08:57 , Josh Salisbury

Labour has won Hendon in north London by just 15 votes - which may well make it the most marginal constituency in the country.

Labour candidate David Pinto-Duschinsky won 15, 855 votes compared to the Conservatives’ 15,840.

It is the final London seat to declare.

Our reporter John Dunne is at the scene, and sends these quotes from Mr Pinto-Duschinsky’s victory message:

“Being elected the member of Parliament for Hendon is the greatest honour of my life

“I ran offering change and as your MP, I will repay that honor and promise to deliver that change.

“I will work hard every day to deliver real help with bills to get our economy growing, to get our local NHS back on its feet and to make our streets safe again.”

Keir Starmer to appoint new Cabinet by end of day

Friday 5 July 2024 08:34

Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer will appoint his whole Cabinet today, a senior Labour official has said.

Pat McFadden told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Keir Starmer will get on with appointing his Cabinet, which we expect to be done by the end of today.

"Certainly the whole Cabinet. That Cabinet will meet tomorrow. And he will have to quickly allocate those responsibilities, give his new Cabinet their marching orders and then there's big international events coming.”

Timings for rest of the day as Labour wins landslide

Friday 5 July 2024 08:13 , Josh Salisbury

It is now clear that Labour have won a decisive landslide majority, with 410 total seats and only eight seats left to declare nationally.

Here are some of the key timings we are now expecting as Sir Keir Starmer prepares to form the next Government, Rachael Burford reports:

- The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will make a statement at around 10.30am, before travelling to Buckingham Palace for an audience with the King.

- After this, Labour’s Sir Keir will travel to Buckingham Palace for his own audience with King Charles, where he will be invited to form the next government.

- Sir Keir will then travel to Downing Street, where his first statement as PM is expected at around 12.20pm.

Final London seat goes down to wire as recount underway

Friday 5 July 2024 07:49 , Josh Salisbury

The final seat to declare in London, Hendon, is down to yet another recount which suggests it could among the most marginal seats in the country.

It is a close contest between Labour’s David Pinto-Duschinsky and the Conservatives’ Ameet Jogia.

The seat was won by the Tories in 2019 with a majority of 4,230.

Our reporter John Dunne is at the count and will give the results as soon as they are declared.

Nationwide, there are only nine seats left to announce.

Truss refuses to say whether she plans to stay in politics after defeat

Friday 5 July 2024 07:35 , Josh Salisbury

Back now to Liz Truss’ defeat in South West Norfolk - she declined to apologise to voters when asked, and did not say whether she planned to stay in Conservative politics.

Asked the BBC’s Ros Atkins why she thought she had lost, she said the Conservatives “haven’t delivered sufficiently on the policies that people want, and that means keeping taxes low and particularly on reducing immigration.”

When asked if she is part of the problem, having served briefly as PM, she agrees, “I was part of that”.

But she adds: “But during our fourteen years in power unfortunately we did not do enough to take on the legacy we had been left, in particular the human rights’ act has made it difficult for us to deport illegal immigrants and that’s one of the reasons we are in the situation we’re in now.”

Asked if she would like to apologise, she declined to answer and walked away.

Lib Dems have record number of MPs

Friday 5 July 2024 07:20 , Josh Salisbury

It’s a good day for Labour - but the Lib Dems are also celebrating too.

The party has won 70 MPs so far, the highest number since it was founded.

Lib Dem Leader Sir Ed Davey said: “This is a record-breaking night for the Liberal Democrats. We have swept to victory in seats from Land’s End to John o’ Groats.

"I am humbled by the trust that millions of people across the country have put in us.

"We will now work hard to keep that trust with a focus on the issues that matter most to them, most of all the NHS and care."

Minister who was told of predicted loss live on TV fails to hold seat

Friday 5 July 2024 07:17 , Josh Salisbury

Tory minister Steve Baker has lost Wycombe to Labour.

Labour’s Emma Reynolds won 16,035 votes to Mr Baker’s 11,444.

Mr Baker was memorably told on the BBC shortly after 10pm that the exit poll predicted a less than one per cent chance of him holding his seat.

Truss leaves swiftly after shock defeat in Norfolk

Friday 5 July 2024 07:07 , Josh Salisbury

More now on Liz Truss’ shock defeat in South West Norfolk.Labour’s Terry Jermy will now become the MP after ousting Truss who spent just 44 days as Prime Minister.

A crowd at the King's Lynn counting centre began slow hand clapping as seven candidates lined up on the stage for several minutes - without Ms Truss, who took 11,217 votes, appearing.

She arrived on stage before the declaration without a blue rosette.

She quickly left without making a speech.

Uxbridge goes to Labour in narrow victory

Friday 5 July 2024 07:01

Labour’s Danny Beales has beaten the Conservatives in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, previously the seat of former prime minister Boris Johnson.

As a reminder, Beales narrowly failed to secure the seat at a by-election in 2023 against Steve Tuckwell after Johnson resigned the seat over the Partygate affair.

But he has been successful this time around - although by just 587 votes.

This means of the London seats, there is only Hendon left to declare - which is currently being recounted, which might hint at a close result.

Liz Truss loses seat despite 26,000 majority

Friday 5 July 2024 06:53 , Josh Salisbury

In perhaps the biggest Conservative name to lose their seat so far, Liz Truss has just lost her seat in Norfolk by just 630 votes.

The former Prime Minister - the UK’s shortest-serving PM - lost Norfolk South West to Labour’s Terry Jermy.

Tories wiped out in inner London as Greg Hands loses Chelsea and Fulham

Friday 5 July 2024 06:40 , Josh Salisbury

The Conservatives have been wiped out in inner London after Chelsea and Fulham was won by Labour in a very tight race.

Minister for London Greg Hands failed to hold onto the seat, being bested by Labour’s Ben Coleman by just 152 votes.

Transport Secretary loses seat to Labour in upset

Friday 5 July 2024 06:35 , Josh Salisbury

Transport Secretary Mark Harper has lost his seat to Labour in the Forest of Dean - traditionally one of the safest Tory seats in the country.

He had won the constituency in 2019 with 59.6 per cent of the vote.

Mr Harper joins a list of Tory big names to have been ousted by either Labour or the Lib Dems, which also includes Jacob Rees-Mogg, Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt, and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps.

Ex-London Mayoral candidate wins Brighton as Green MP

Friday 5 July 2024 06:29 , Josh Salisbury

Former London Assembly member Sian Berry has said she is “floored” as she wins the seat of Brighton Pavilion.

She is now the fourth Green MP to be elected so far.

In her acceptance speech at Portslade Sports Centre, Ms Berry said: "This is such a special place, living and working in this unique city is a joy.

"I can't wait to deliver for you as your MP.

"I am honoured that you are trusting me to continue your strong, independent, Green voice in Parliament."

Down to wire in Uxbridge as recount underway

Friday 5 July 2024 06:25 , Josh Salisbury

It’s down to the wire in Uxbridge and South Ruislip in west London, where a recount is currently underway.

In a message, Hillingdon Council said: “A recount for Labour and Conservative votes has been called for Uxbridge and South Ruislip. We will update with results as soon as they come in.”

Labour’s Danny Beales is hoping to take the seat from the Conservatives’ Steve Tuckwell in a by-election last year, after former PM Boris Johnson resigned the seat over the Partygate affair.

Mr Beales’ loss in that by-election was attributed by some to be as a result of the controversial expansion of Ulez, with the Conservative candidate opposing the policy.

Liberal Democrats win Boris Johnson's old seat

Friday 5 July 2024 06:16

The Liberal Democrats have won what would have been Boris Johnson’s old seat.

The party’s Freddie Van Mierlo took Henley and Thame with 23,904 votes compared to the Conservatives’ Caroline Newton with 17,637 votes.

The former PM was MP for Henley - the predecessor seat - from 1997 to 2010. However, the boundaries of the seat have since changed.

6pm update: Labour on 389 seats as Tories still under 100

Friday 5 July 2024 06:04 , Josh Salisbury

As of 6am, Labour was won 389 seats - well clear of the 326 needed for a majority - and the Conservatives have slumped to just 95 seats.

Meanwhile, the Lib Dems are on 58 seats, and the Scottish National Party has seven seats.

So far, 574 constituency results have been declared.

Click here to read the full blog on The Evening Standard's website