Sir Keir Starmer gives Commons speech after being greeted by standing ovation from Labour benches

Sir Keir gave the first speech responding to the unanimous re-election of Sir Lindsay Hoyle as Commons Speaker, beginning with a tribute to former Conservative MP Craig Mackinlay.

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to former Conservative MP Craig Mackinlay and the longest-serving female MP, Diane Abbott, following their return to the House of Commons.

The Labour leader began his speech in the Commons chamber on Tuesday by acknowledging Mr Mackinlay, who had both his hands and feet amputated after contracting sepsis last year.

The former South Thanet MP decided not to fight his seat at last week’s general election due to his ongoing recovery from the life-threatening infection.

Sir Keir said: “I’m sure all of those returning will remember, as I do, the speech he gave just a few weeks ago which was inspiring and moving and we wish him well.”

The Labour leader also used his speech to welcome the 335 new MPs and thank Tory MP Sir Edward Leigh, who, as the MP with the longest continuous service, is Father of the House and oversaw Sir Lindsay Hoyle’s re-election as Commons Speaker.

After celebrating the diversity of the new House of Commons, which Sir Keir said has the largest cohort of LGBT+ MPs of any parliament in the world, he paid special tribute to Ms Abbott.

The new Prime Minister welcomed Ms Abbott back to the Commons after a row over her selection as a Labour candidate saw Sir Keir accused of trying to deselect her.

However, Sir Keir said on Tuesday that Ms Abbott has “done so much in her career over so many years to fight for a Parliament that truly represents modern Britain”.

Concluding his speech, he reiterated the commitment he made during the campaign to “replace the politics of performance with the politics of service … because service is a precondition for hope and trust, and the need to restore trust should weigh heavily on every Member here, new and returning alike.

“We all have a duty to show that politics can be a force for good.

“So, whatever our political differences, it’s now time to turn the page, unite in a common endeavour of national renewal and make this Parliament a parliament of service.”