Sir Keir Starmer will be the UK’s next prime minister after Rishi Sunak admitted defeat in the face of a Labour landslide.The Prime Minister said voters had delivered a “sobering verdict” on his party after 14 years in power. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said people around the country had declared they were “ready for change”.

Sunak said: “The Labour Party has won this election and I have called Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory.

“Today power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner, with good will on all sides. That is something that should give us all confidence in our country’s stability and future.

“The British people have delivered a sobering verdict tonight. There is much to learn and reflect on and I take responsibility for the loss.

“To the many good, hardworking Conservative candidates who lost tonight, despite their tireless efforts, their local records and delivery and their dedication to their communities, I am sorry.”

In a victory speech in London, Starmer said: “We did it. You campaigned for it, you fought for it, you voted for it and now it has arrived. 

“Change begins now, and it feels good, I have to be honest. Four and a half years of work changing the party - this is what its for. A changed Labour Party ready to restore Britain to the service of working people.”