The UK’s new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has made historic appointments as he begins naming his cabinet and pledged to put the “country first, party second”.

Starmer has chosen a record 11 female ministers, including former Bank of England economist Rachel Reeves as the country’s first female Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Angela Rayner will serve as deputy prime minister as well as secretary for levelling up, housing and communities.

Starmer appointed David Lammy as the UK’s new foreign minister, who promised to continue supporting Ukraine and to press for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Starmer also picked John Healey as defence minister while Yvette Cooper becomes interior minister, known as home secretary, overseeing domestic security and policing.

Britain’s new prime minister promised he would deliver change and provide political stability after 14 years of Conservative government.

Labour won more than 410 seats — an increase of 211 — while the Conservatives lost 250 MPs, including a record number of senior ministers and former prime minister Liz Truss.

Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives suffered the worst performance in the party’s long history as voters punished them for a cost-of-living crisis, failing public services and a series of scandals.

The Starmers greet supporters gathered outside 10 Downing Street. Photo: Getty

Starmer was greeted by huge cheers on Friday (UK time) and shook hands with and hugged aides and well-wishers who lined Downing Street.

Standing behind a lectern, he said he understood that many Britons were disillusioned with politics after years of scandal and chaos under the Conservatives, who were roundly rejected in Thursday’s election, suffering a historic loss.

“This lack of trust can only be healed by actions, not words. I know that,” he said.

“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.”

“My government will fight every day until you believe again. From now on, you have a government unburdened by doctrine, guided only by the determination to serve your interest,” he said, underscoring something he had repeated during the campaign — that he would put country first, party second.

“To defy, quietly, those who have written our country off. You have given us a clear mandate, and we will use it to deliver change.”

Despite Starmer’s convincing victory, polls have suggested there is little enthusiasm for Starmer or his party.

Labour’s triumph was achieved with fewer votes than it secured in 2017 and 2019 — the latter its worst result for 84 years.

First female Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves. Photo: Getty

‘I am sorry’: Sunak to quit

Outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak apologised after leading the Conservatives to their worst-ever British election result.

He said would quit as party leader once arrangements were in place to choose his successor, potentially triggering another round of Conservative infighting as MPs scramble to replace him.

In a statement outside No.10 on Friday, Sunak said: “I will shortly be seeing his majesty the King to offer my resignation as prime minister.

“To the country, I would like to say first and foremost, I am sorry.

“I have given this job my all, but you have sent a clear signal that the government of the United Kingdom must change. And yours is the only judgment that matters.

“I have heard your anger, your disappointment, and I take responsibility for this loss.”

“Following this result I will step down as party leader — not immediately, but once the formal arrangements for selecting my successor are in place.

Rishi Sunak and wife Akshata Murty leave 10 Downing Street. Photo: Getty

“It is important that, after 14 years in government, the Conservative Party rebuilds, but also that it takes up its crucial role in opposition professionally and effectively,” Sunak said.

“This is a difficult day at the end of a number of difficult days, but I leave this job honoured to have been your prime minister.

“This is the best country in the world. And it is thanks entirely to you, the British people, the true source of all our achievements, our strengths and our greatness.”

After speaking in Downing Street, Sunak travelled by car to Buckingham Palace to resign as prime minister.

-with AAP