The likely main contenders to succeed Rishi Sunak, broadly ordered by their place on the political spectrum
The votes have been counted, the dust has largely settled, and the Conservatives are left with 121 MPs. From this rump – about a third of the pre-election total – who will compete to take over as party leader from the soon to depart Rishi Sunak? Here are the likely main contenders, broadly listed from centre to right.
Exclusive: party to use biggest-ever cohort of MPs to get ‘essential decisions’ made on issue that ‘cut-through’
The Liberal Democrats plan to use their best-ever contingent of 71 MPs to push Keir Starmer to begin cross-party talks on a new plan for social care, saying the issue was raised repeatedly by voters during their election campaign.
Lib Dem insiders said Ed Davey’s party, which unseated four cabinet ministers as well as dozens of other senior Conservatives, would also seek to make sure the position of unpaid carers was considered properly by the Labour government.
Keir Starmer’s speech in Downing Street lasted only about six minutes, but contained a variety of different elements. Here is what he said – and, just as importantly, why he said it.
I want to thank the outgoing prime minister, Rishi Sunak. His achievement as the first British Asian prime minister of our country – the extra effort that will have required should not be underestimated by anyone.
If you voted Labour yesterday, we will carry the responsibility of your trust as we rebuild our country. But whether you voted Labour or not, in fact especially if you did not, I say to you directly: my government will serve you.
One of the great strengths of this nation has always been our ability to navigate a way to calmer waters. And yet this depends upon politicians, particularly those who stand for stability and moderation, as I do.
We’ve turned a blind eye as millions slid into greater insecurity … recognised at moments like this before yet, as soon as the cameras stopped rolling, their lives are ignored. I want to say very clearly to those people: not this time.
Changing a country is not like flicking a switch. The world is now a more volatile place. This will take a while. But I have no doubt that the work of change begins immediately.
If I asked you now whether 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 interest, to defy, quietly, those who have written our country off. You have given us a clear mandate and we will use it to deliver change, to restore service and respect to politics, end the era of noisy performance, tread more lightly on your lives and unite our country.
The Liberal Democrats have taken a record number of seats for the party in the general election.
Ed Davey’s party has ousted four cabinet ministers and denied the Tories success in constituencies once held by former prime ministers David Cameron, Theresa May and Boris Johnson.
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