More than 5,000 days have passed since Labour were last in Government. But Keir Starmer wasted no time in laying down the first tentative steps towards change yesteday as he selected his cabinet and assured voters he would begin to rebuild trust with a 'country-first, party-second' brand of politics.
As outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak left Number 10, Sir Keir arrived with an invitation from the King to form a new government. He thanked Mr Sunak for his 'dedication and hard work', and commended his 'achievement as the first British Asian Prime Minister of our country'.
Focus soon turned to the need for change, a 'renewal and a return of politics to public service'. Sir Keir insisted he would prove to voters that politics 'can be a force for good' - but acknowledged it would 'take a while' to 'change' the country. 'But have no doubt that the work of change begins immediately,' the 61-year-old said.
Indeed, by Friday evening reports emerged that the Tory flagship 'Rwanda scheme' was effectively 'dead' - consistent with Labour's promises to scrap it if elected. Britain is still expected to pay various fees associated with the treaty - but reserves the right to leave with three months' notice. Kigali is expected to comment as early as Saturday.