Sir Keir Starmer Takes Helm: Urgent Reforms and National Renewal on the Agenda After Labour’s Landmark Victory

Following a resounding electoral win, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed his first cabinet meeting by stating, "so now we get on with our work." Expressing great enthusiasm about convening his principal advisors at Downing Street, Sir Keir highlighted the daunting tasks ahead, including tackling lengthy hospital wait times and addressing the issue of small boat crossings.

Saturday, July 6, 2024, 1:

For optimal video playback, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser.

Sir Keir Starmer declared, "so now we get on with our work," as he presided over his initial cabinet session after Labour's sweeping victory, which concluded 14 years of Conservative governance.

The prime, in addressing his senior staff, expressed great pleasure in greeting them at Downing Street, yet he cautioned that there was a significant workload ahead.

Stay updated with live coverage of the

The leader of the Labour Party made minimal adjustments to the existing team of key party officials prior to the election.

Gathered at the meeting in Downing Street were Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, along with Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner.

Also present were the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, and the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy.

Shabana Mahmood and Ed Miliband continued to oversee the justice and energy departments respectively, while John Healey remained in charge of defence, and Jonathan Reynolds kept his position in the business sector.

Sir Keir opted for the seasoned human rights attorney Richard Hermer KC as attorney general, bypassing Emily Thornberry who previously served in the shadow role before the election.

He is set to join the House of Lords in order to assume the role of the senior legal official.

Surrounded by Ms. Rayner and Cabinet Secretary Simon Case, who is rumored to be resigning soon, Sir Keir addressed his group, saying, "It's truly wonderful to have you all here for our inaugural cabinet meeting.

"I am deeply honored and privileged to have been invited by His Majesty the King yesterday to form the government and lead the Labour government of 2024."

"We are now convening our initial cabinet session. I am pleased to welcome you all to this gathering.

"There's a significant amount of tasks ahead of us, so let's proceed with our duties."

The audience responded to his speech with enthusiastic clapping.

Topping the list of priorities discussed by the cabinet were likely the initial six actions highlighted in the Labour manifesto, which included ensuring economic stability, reducing wait times in the NHS, establishing a new border security force, founding Great British Energy, addressing anti-social behavior, and hiring 6,500 new teachers.

Explore further: Unveiling Labour's leadership lineupGlobal reactions to Starmer's victoryEight surprising twists in the election

For an enhanced viewing experience, it is recommended to utilize the Chrome browser.

Upon assuming office, the newly appointed prime minister confronts multiple pressing issues, among them a National Health Service backlog involving 6.3 million people, the ongoing small boat dilemma in the Channel, an overburdened penal system, and slow-paced economic expansion.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed emphasized the magnitude of the challenges ahead, informing his colleagues that addressing the sewage and environmental issues will be a long-term endeavor, spanning several years.

He stated, "The situation is dire—there's no way to downplay this. We're seeing unprecedented amounts of sewage contaminating our rivers, lakes, and oceans. The natural world is suffering, and farmers' morale is at an all-time low."

"Reversing this damage will be a years-long process, yet the efforts to make changes start immediately."

For an improved video playback experience, it is recommended to utilize the Chrome browser

Exiting 10 Downing Street, Mr. Streeting described the initial meeting as "very good" and stated, "We're starting work immediately."

Previously, Mr. Miliband, a former member of Gordon Brown’s cabinet and subsequent leader of the Labour Party, remarked, "It's nice to return."

Later today, Sir Keir is set to answer inquiries during his inaugural press conference as Prime Minister.

He is set to appear on the global scene for the first time shortly after taking office, as he heads to Washington DC next week for the summit of NATO leaders.

He is also set to preside over the European Political Community summit in the UK on July 18.

In his inaugural address as Prime Minister, delivered from the steps of Downing Street, Sir Keir stated that he would dedicate Friday evenings post-6pm to family time. He assured the public that his administration is committed to serving them and emphasized his belief in the positive potential of politics.

"He stated, 'The nation has clearly chosen transformation, rejuvenation at a national level, and a restoration of politics dedicated to serving the public.'"

"We must act swiftly, and our efforts start now."

Associated Subjects

Sky News Bottom Section

Information About Sky News

Services Offered by Sky News

Sky Network Channels

Additional Sky Websites