Piano and Sofa Removed from Downing Street After Sunak’s Defeat in the General Election

In a poignant symbol of political change, a piano and a red sofa were among the items removed from Downing Street following Rishi Sunak’s defeat in the recent General Election. 

As Labour's Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepare to move into the historic residence, the process of transferring the keys to the new occupants is well underway.

The General Election marked a significant shift in British politics, with Labour emerging victorious and ending Rishi Sunak’s tenure as Prime Minister. 

As the political landscape of Downing Street changes, so too does the physical setup of the residences at No 10 and No 11, which have been central to British political life for decades. 

The transition involves not just a change of leadership but also a shift in the very spaces that have been the backdrop to numerous historic events.

On Sunday, a bright yellow lorry from the moving company Bishop’s Move was seen parked at the rear of Downing Street. 

The moving process, which began in earnest this weekend, featured a steady stream of items being carried out of the famous residence. 

Among the notable pieces removed were a mattress, a striking red sofa, and an upright piano—each item a remnant of the Sunak administration's time in office.

Rishi Sunak and former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt were the most recent occupants of Downing Street. 

During Sunak’s tenure, he resided in the flat above No 10, while Hunt lived in the larger flat above No 11. 

This arrangement marked a departure from recent traditions where prime ministers had preferred the residence at No 11. 

Historically, No 11 has been the official residence for the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but Sunak’s move to No 10 reflected his unique role and circumstances.

With Labour’s new leadership, the traditional preferences are set to be reversed. 

Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves will be the new residents, and the moving process is expected to take a few days to complete. 

On Saturday, Starmer commented on the transition, saying, “We’re not unpacked quite yet, but we will be soon and we’ll be moving in soon but there’s a bit of work to do before then.