Keir Starmer officially appointed UK Prime Minister

A photograph released by the palace showed the monarch shaking hands with Starmer, whose party won a landslide election victory. The king earlier accepted the resignation of Conservative leader Rishi Sunak.

Britain’s King Charles III (R) welcomes Britain’s incoming Prime Minister Keir Starmer during an audience at Buckingham Palace in London on July 5, 2024, a day after Britain held a general election. [Credit: AFP]

“The King received in audience The Right Honourable Sir Keir Starmer MP today and requested him to form a new administration.

“Sir Keir accepted His Majesty’s offer and kissed hands upon his appointment as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury,” a palace statement read.

Britain’s King Charles III (R) meets with Britain’s incoming Prime Minister Keir Starmer during an audience at Buckingham Palace in London on July 5, 2024, a day after Britain held a general election. [Credit: AFP]

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated  Starmer on the victory of his party in the UK general election.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, on Friday, the President said as a former leader of the opposition in Nigeria, he specially notes the determination and courage the incoming Prime Minister of the UK demonstrated throughout his years in the opposition and as the leader of the Labour Party.

The President stated that the party’s ability to reform, mobilise, and position itself for victory after 14 years clearly affirms the leadership qualities of Starmer.

AFP