THE NEW PREMIER

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 19, 23 January 1924, Page 8

THE NEW PREMIER

LABOUR ACCEPTS TASK

SWORN INTO PRIVY COUNCIL

RT. HON. RAMSAY MACDONALD.

UniHBB PHIS« ASSOCIATION.—oorTUOBT.)

(STONBT SUN CA*LI.)

(Received 23rd January, 2.30 p.m.)

LONDON, 22nd January.

Events leading to the actual advent of the Labour Government marched with dramatic swiftness, Cabinet met for the last tims at 10.30 a.m. Within an hour Mr. Baldwin left by the back entrance of No. 10, Downing Street, apparently intending to walk to the Palace, but, many photographers appearing, he jumped into a taxi. In audience with the King he announced his resignation. The King immediately summoned Mr. Macdonald, who arrived, accompanied by Messrs. Henderson, Clynes, and Thomas, who were also summoned. Tho King held a Privy Council meeting at noon, at which Mr. Macdoriald was sworn in as a Privy Councillor, in the presence of his colleagues who are already members.

At a later hour^jn the audience Mr. Macdonald acceptedihe task of forming a Government

Cheering crowds held up\ the Labour members on their leaving |the Palace, Mr. Macdonald repeatedly raising his hat and bowing hi s acknowledgment. An old navvy shouted out: "Are you Premier, Mac?"

Mr. Macdonald nodded: .The navvy shouted: "Congratulations to you from the bottom of, my heart," and rushed forward, accompanied by several members of the crowd, and shook hands.