After a landslide victory in the UK elections, Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, has begun forming his cabinet. Angela Rayner has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister, Yvette Cooper as Home Secretary, David Lammy as Foreign Secretary, and Rachel Reeves as the UK’s first female Chancellor.

In his first speech as Prime Minister, Starmer pledged to restore trust in politics and build a “government of service.” He acknowledged the urgency of the task, saying, “Our work is urgent – and we begin it today.”

The Labour Party’s victory marks a significant shift in UK politics, with the Conservative Party suffering its worst defeat in 14 years, losing over 250 seats. Outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has resigned as Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader, taking responsibility for the party’s dismal performance.

The Liberal Democrats and the Greens made gains in the election, while the Scottish National Party suffered significant losses. Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party won its first seats, splitting the right-wing vote and contributing to the Conservatives’ losses.

Starmer emphasized the need for schools, affordable homes, and rebuilding the country’s “infrastructure of opportunity” in his speech. He acknowledged that this would not be a simple task, but vowed to work towards change, “brick by brick.”