I have liked and respected Keir Starmer ever since he sat at our dining table, seeking nomination as Member of Parliament for Holborn & St Pancras, back in 2014.

This Thursday – election day – I was up at 5.00 going round Camden, seeking out the graffiti and spray painting that some of his opponents had daubed across the constituency. I will spare you the worst, which were removed.

From then on it was a long day – at the polling station where he voted with his wife, Vicky at about 9.30, followed by hard campaigning.

Finally, I was at the count in the Camden offices with friends, watching the votes pile up until at something like 3.00 when, on Friday morning, Keir was announced as our MP.

Then began a night of celebrations, as dawn rose over St Pauls.

First at the Tate Modern, with party staff and then, at midday on Friday in Downing Street.

A momentous two days, as Keir went from being friend to Prime Minister.

I am, of course, immensely proud. But he is, I know, someone who can do what Kipling asked of leaders: able to “walk with Kings, nor lose the common touch.”

This is the day in photographs.

Newly elected Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaking outside No 10 Downing Street in London for the first time after the Labour party won a landslide victory at the 2024 General Election. Picture date: Friday July 5, 2024.
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