Keir Starmer hails diversity of new Parliament

In his own speech, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, whose party is now the third largest in the Commons with 72 MPs, vowed to hold the government to account, focusing on issues including health, social care, sewage and the cost of living.

In a reference to the number of SNP MPs falling from 48 to nine, the party’s Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said: “There’s probably a few more new members from Scottish constituencies than I would like to have seen, but I do look forward to working constructively with you to deliver in the best interests of the people that we are all so fortunate to represent.”

Along with other parties, he paid tribute to Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who was re-elected unopposed to the position of Speaker, who presides over Commons debates and upholds parliamentary rules.

The pair previously clashed over Sir Lindsay’s decision not to allow a vote on an SNP call for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.

Sir Lindsay continued in his role despite pressure to stand down over the issue, with a motion of no confidence attracting more than 80 signatures.

Mr Flynn told the Speaker: “I think it’s safe to say that me and you didn’t always see eye to eye during the course of the last parliament but in politics and in life, I think it’s important to let bygones be bygones and to focus on the future.”

Sir Lindsay said he would continue to be “fair, impartial and independent” in the role.

After his re-election was approved by MPs, he was dragged to the Speaker’s chair by Labour MP Cat Smith and Tory Sir David Davis.