Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, in his first speech as Prime Minister, says Britain has voted for change.
He promised to put "country first, party second’’ in what he called “a bigger reset’’.
The new Labour prime minister said “public service is a privilege and that your government should treat every person in this country with respect”, adding that his government will serve everybody whether they voted Labour or not.
Mr Starmer told an excited and cheering gathering of party activists, new MPs and family supporters which lined Downing Street that the country has voted decisively for change, for national renewal, and a return of politics to public service.
“We can make a start today with the simple acknowledge that public service is a privilege,” he said, adding the government should treat everyone with respect.
“Whether you voted Labour or not — in fact especially if you did not — I say to you directly my government will serve you. Politics can be a force for good. We will show that," he said.
“We have changed the Labour Party, returned it to service — that is how we will govern. Country first, party second.”
Sir Keir vowed: “The work of change begins immediately. But have no doubt, we will rebuild Britain."
He also said: “If I asked you now if you believe that Britain will be better for your children, I know too many of you would say no. And so my government will fight every day until you believe again.
"From now on you have a government unburdened by doctrine, guided only by the determination to serve your interests, to defy quietly those who have written our country off.”
In indications that his government will be very different to the 14 years of Tory power, Sir Keir talked about changing politics to provide hope.
“It’s surely clearly to everyone that our country needs a bigger reset, a rediscovery of who we are. Because no matter how fierce the storms of history, one of the great strengths of our nation has always been our ability to navigate a way to calmer waters. And yet this depends on politicians, particularly those who stand for stability and moderation, as I do, recognising when we must change course.”
He emerged into Downing Street to address the nation after being invited by the King at Buckingham Palace to form a government. He was accompanied to Buckingham Palace by his wife Victoria. Upon arrival at Downing Street the couple greeted hundreds of well wishers with big hugs, kisses and handshakes.
Sir Keir and his wife Victoria joined hands and embraced people on the steps of his new home, before posing for a picture and entering through the famous black door.
He was greeted by Simon Case, the cabinet secretary, while being clapped by civil servants.
In his speech outside No 10, he spoke about how “millions slid into greater insecurity”, mentioning nurses, builders, drivers, carers, people doing the right thing, who had been working harder every day, yet having their lives ignored.
“I want to say very clearly to those people, not this time,’’ the 61-year-old said.
“Changing a country’s not like flicking a switch, the world is now a more volatile place. This will take a while.”
He said that the work to rebuild Britain with wealth created in every community, would begin immediately.
Sir Keir has promised to get the National Health Service back on its feet, with secure borders, safer streets, everyone treated with dignity and respect at work, and the opportunity of clean British power cutting energy bills for good. In a nod to the Labour manifesto he also spoke about providing affordable homes and world-class schools.
