LONDON, July 5, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Prime Minister-elect Keir Starmer pledged Friday to start a period of "national renewal" in the UK after his opposition Labour party defeated the ruling Conservatives in the general election.

"Today we start the next chapter -- begin the work of change, the mission of national renewal and start to rebuild our country," Starmer said in a triumphant victory speech in London after his party secured a majority in parliament.