Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the Queen as “a symbol of the best of us”.
The Labour leader told broadcasters in central London: “In crisis she reassured us, reminding us that we are all part of something that stretches back through time.
“A symbol of the best of us.”
Sir Keir said togetherness in mourning the Queen’s death and celebrating her life is a reminder of what she achieved.
Sir Keir Starmer
James Manning
The Queen has died aged 96
Kirsty O'Connor
He added: “Around the world people are united in mourning and united in celebrating her life.
“This togetherness is a reminder of what she achieved, a reminder of our shared values – values which I know will be upheld by her beloved son Charles, our new King.”
He added that the Queen “created a special, personal relationship with us all” based on “service and devotion to her country”.
“Nobody under the age of 70 has known anything other than Queen Elizabeth II on the throne.
“For the vast majority of us, the late Queen has been simply the Queen.”
Buckingham Palace confirmed on Thursday that Her Majesty had died peacefully at Balmoral.
The statement read: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
"The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”