Newly appointed Prime Minister, Dr Mary MacAndrews - dressed in a resplendent red suit - steps out of her ministerial car with her husband Francis. Together they walk up Downing Street towards Number 10. Dr MacAndrews approaches a podium set up in front of assembled press. Francis stands behind Mary by the steps of Number 10
Good morning,
I have just come from Buckingham Palace where the Queen asked me to form a Government in her name, and I accepted. As the second woman Prime Minister and first woman Labour Prime Minister I stand here ready to provide the leadership and vision this country needs to move us forward into a new decade and century. I will lead by action, not by words. I will dedicate my time as Prime Minister working for the betterment of all British people, not engaging in spin or appearing in every TV studio in the nation.
For the first time in history, the Labour party has been returned to a successive majority government and we will not squander this chance given to us by the British people to build united, strong and progressive Government committed to delivering our election manifesto and building a stronger economy where all can prosper. The hopes and dreams of a nation rest on our shoulders and we will not let you down
As a young girl, growing up in Edinburgh I never thought that one day I would be stood on the steps of Downing Street speaking to the nation as Prime Minister, but what I have learned over my life and my 12 years in politics is that to affect real change you must put yourself forward and that is what I did. The saying “politics is the art of the possible” have been words that have guided my political career. Politics truly must be about what can be achieved, and with the political will untold greatness can be achievable. So, I put myself forward for if I did not I would be abdicating the responsibility to somebody else and I knew that I had the experience, tenacity and willingness to provide the leadership our country needs.
When I enter through the door behind me, I will get to work immediately assembling a cabinet that spans the breadth and width of talent in my party. A united Government, a strong Government, a progressive Government. And the Government that I lead will put aside the petty personality conflicts of the past and have the British people at the heart of all decisions we make.
The Government has been elected on a manifesto packed with ideas that will continue the work of the previous four years of investment, renewal, and development - and with an economy moving from strength to strength it provides us the freedom to increase investment into areas left underfunded for eighteen years of Conservative government. The problems and issues that we face as a society are many, but I believe in the talent and tenacity of the British people to overcome these obstacles and it is the duty of the Government to ease that journey and to provide the tools to families, communities and society to grow and prosper.
It is my desire Britain reclaim its place as the best place to live, the best place to grow up in, the best place to work, and the best place to grow old in. Social Mobility will be a key focus of my time as Prime Minister. The widening gap between children from the poorest families and children from the wealthiest families is growing ever wider and immediate action must be taken to close that gap. A new government department will be created with a key remit to deliver social mobility across our country. As we lead longer, and healthier lives there will be questions to answer on how do we ensure that those who have contributed so much to our society are able to grow old with dignity and respect. Such questions will be integral to how my government decides policy.
We are also facing a lack of trust in political institutions. British people are asking many questions about how politics is done in this country and they are questions that we must answer, and I take that duty incredibly seriously. For too long we have allowed a culture of spin and scandal to take root. I am resolute in my commitment to tackle this head on. One of my first acts as Prime Minister will be to commission an independent inquiry into the appointments systems in the United Kingdom. This inquiry will be mandated to diagnose the problems and prescribe a treatment to restore trust in our politics. For this issue is too important to be subject to partisan politics or the whims of politicians. I respect the British people far too much to allow politicians the chance to decide how politicians should be held accountable. We are accountable to you, not ourselves.
The task before is great, but it is a task that I take on willingly and wholeheartedly. As your Prime Minister I will strive to be an example for all. As your Prime Minister I will be your champion and defender.
Thank you.
Dr MacAndrews moves to the steps of Number 10 and stands with her husband outside of Number 10 where they turn to wave and smile for photos before heading inside where the couple are greeted by members of staff.
