Britain’s head of state, King Charles III, officially appointed Labour leader Keir Starmer as prime minister on Friday during an audience at Buckingham Palace.
The appointment follows the Labour Party’s sweeping victory in the general election.
A photograph released by the palace depicted the monarch shaking hands with Starmer, who has now assumed the role of the UK’s prime minister.
Earlier in the day, King Charles accepted the resignation of Conservative leader Rishi Sunak.
“The King received in audience The Right Honourable Sir Keir Starmer MP today and requested him to form a new Administration,” read a statement from Buckingham Palace.
“Sir Keir accepted His Majesty’s offer and kissed hands upon his appointment as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury.”
Keir Starmer’s appointment as prime minister marks the end of 14 years of Conservative rule, ushering in a new era of centre-left governance under the Labour Party.
Starmer’s victory signifies a significant shift in the UK’s political landscape.