Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, has been officially appointed as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
His appointment was confirmed after an audience with King Charles.
Arriving at Buckingham Palace just after noon in a chauffeur-driven car, Sir Keir became the third Prime Minister of King Charles’s reign.
He was accompanied by his wife, Lady Victoria Starmer, who works in occupational health for the NHS. The couple was welcomed by Sir Clive Alderton, the principal private secretary to the King and Queen.
After his meeting with King Charles, Sir Keir is expected to give a speech on the steps of No. 10 Downing Street in front of party members.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace confirmed the appointment: “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.”
This appointment follows a few hours after the outgoing Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, met with the King to tender his resignation.
