Labour Party leader and new UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer assured the British public that 'work begins immediately' after a landslide victory in the general election on Friday.

In his first speech as PM outside Number 10 Downing street, Starmer paid tribute to the work of his predecessor Rishi Sunak but added that the "country has voted decisively for change, for national renewal and a return of politics to public service".

"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. We've changed the Labour Party, returned it to service, and that is how we will govern; country first, party second," he said.

"Have no doubt that the work of change begins immediately. Have no doubt that we will rebuild Britain with wealth created in every community," he added.

"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," he continued. "So, with respect and humility, I invite you all to join this government of service in the mission of national renewal. Our work is urgent and we begin it today."

Sunak, standing in the same place just hours before, apologised to the country but said: "I have heard your anger, your disappointment; and I take responsibility for this loss."

Thursday's general election across the UK saw the opposition Labour Party win more than 400 seats - on 34 percent of the vote - giving it a huge majority in the 650-seat House of Commons.

Sunak's Conservatives were reduced to around 120 seats, as key government figures were voted out. Turnout was at 60 percent.