Downing Street’s New Occupant Will Have Just Hours to Move In

In the United States, a new president usually has a two-month window to prepare to move into the White House. Freshly elected British prime ministers move into Downing Street swiftly, often within hours of elections.

Keir Starmer, whose Labour Party won a commanding majority in the House of Commons, was formally appointed prime minister on Friday by King Charles III. Just hours after his predecessor, Rishi Sunak, made his exit, the new prime minister is about to make a speech to supporters outside the front door of 10 Downing Street.

He will be ushered inside the building by staff members and receive a briefing from members of the civil service that, according to the Institute for Government, covers topics including living arrangements, security protocols and appointing ministers.

Number 10 has had a great deal of practice with quick transitions. Since the last general election five years ago, three prime ministers have lived there, including Liz Truss, who called Downing Street home for less than seven weeks.

The address has been home to Britain’s prime ministers since 1735. It is much larger than it seems from the street. Beyond the much photographed black door and the checkered entryway hall, offices, living areas and reception rooms stretch out to much of 12 Downing Street. A corridor connects to Number 11, the official residence of the finance minister, or chancellor of the Exchequer.

Prime ministers often put their own stamp on the living quarters, but that mostly remains out of public view. When Margaret Thatcher won her first general election and moved into Downing Street in 1979 — she called it “living over the shop” — she gave the place a makeover.