Many Christian leaders and organisations have been reacting to the UK general election result, which saw Labour win a thumping parliamentary majority to end 14 years of Conservative government. 

It's a result that has delighted some and dismayed others, with incoming Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer promising that "change begins now" and defeated Rishi Sunak admitting the country had delivered a "sobering verdict". 

But how are leading Christian figures responding?

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby sent his "warmest congratulations" to Sir Keir, and thanked Rishi Sunak for his service to the nation. 

"I also give thanks today for our democracy, and for the peaceful and orderly transition of power it gives us," Archbishop Justin added on X. "I pray for our new government entering office; for its members to have humility, wisdom and integrity as they begin their new roles." 

Evangelical Alliance CEO, Gavin Calver, said the election result "represents a significant change for UK politics but also comes with a significant burden of responsibility", adding that he was "praying for Sir Keir Starmer and his incoming government". 

He added: "I’m praying the words of Psalm 72 that, God will give him wisdom and a heart for justice, that he will stand up for the poor and for children in need."

The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, said that her "prayers and best wishes" go out to Sir Kier ahead of his audience with the King.

"As the country wakes up to the outcome of the General Election, my prayers and best wishes go to Sir @Keir_Starmer ahead of his audience with HM The King later today, as he prepares to take on the responsibility of leading the new Government," she posted on X.

"I am also praying for @RishiSunak  for his service over these past years."

Bishop Sarah added: "For many, today will be a day of celebration, for others sadness. We must remember the courage it takes to stand for one’s beliefs and treat those that do with kindness and compassion, whether we agree with them or not.

"Here in the Capital, I look forward to welcoming and working with the many new MPs elected amongst the communities of the @DioceseofLondon." 

Social policy charity Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) called for the next UK Government to model justice, integrity, and compassion.

“We congratulate all those who have been elected today, and Keir Starmer as he prepares to lead a new Government," said CEO Ross Hendry. "CARE encouraged churches to engage positively during the election period and Christians will continue to pray for and encourage MPs.

“As someone who has run for parliament in the past, I’m conscious that thousands of candidates did not hear the news they wanted today. Some people are now out of a job. Losing candidates deserve our thanks and respect for taking part."

Mr Hendry added: “Christians believe that Governments are ordained by God to restrain evil and injustice and promote good by commending those who do right. A good Government will show justice and mercy, model integrity, and have compassion on the most vulnerable people in society." 

Debt advice charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is urging new MPs to meet people impacted by poverty and make tackling inadequate incomes a priority.

CAP’s Chief Executive Officer, Stewart McCulloch said: “I want to congratulate all the MPs from every party on being elected -  they have put themselves forward for a difficult and demanding job, for which they have our respect and can be assured of our prayers - and now they have an urgent and vital role to play in helping people on low incomes and tackling UK poverty."

Mr McCulloch pressed incoming MPs to "meet the committed staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to address poverty in their local communities, and who increasingly need your help to bring resolution to the broken systems in society that rob people of hope and health.”