By King Charles

Labor leader officially appointed Prime Minister

Labor leader Keir Starmer was appointed Prime Minister by King Charles.(Bild: AP)

Just two hours after Rishi Sunak announced his retirement, the UK already has a new Prime Minister. In accordance with the usual procedure, the Labour leader Keir Starmer was appointed to the highest government office by King Charles after winning the election. 

In the UK's constitutional monarchy, elections are held, but the Prime Minister is appointed by the monarch. He can then officially start forming the government, appoint ministers, etc. 

Sunak announced his resignation as party leader
Rishi Sunak, still leader of the Conservatives, did not announce his resignation on Friday morning following his party's historic election debacle. He then also had to make an appearance before the King to officially resign from office. 

Starmer was appointed as the new Prime Minister by Charles shortly afterwards and has already made his way to the official residence at 10 Downing Street. There he was received by a cheering crowd of supporters. 

The British Prime Minister lives in the house in Downing Street during his term of office, sometimes with his family. No less popular than the historic building is the respective house cat. The current cat "Larry" has already kept the official residence mouse-free for six prime ministers. 

In his first speech in Downing Street, Starmer thanked his predecessor Sunak, but also emphasized that the people had "chosen change". He said that progress would now be swift and that he wanted to "win back the trust of the people" as quickly as possible.