The United Kingdom’s Labour Party achieved a decisive victory in the general election early Friday, securing enough seats to surpass the 326-seat threshold necessary for a working majority in the House of Commons.
The party won the prime minister position with the win, with Labour leader Keir Starmer taking over from Rishi Sunak.
As the final figures were tallied, Labour secured a commanding victory with 410 seats, while the Conservatives are anticipated to obtain 144 seats.
Mr Sunak acknowledged defeat and apologised for the loss.
“A mandate like this comes with a great responsibility,” Mr Starmer said while addressing his supporters at a jubilant rally in London, celebrating the monumental achievement and setting the tone for the party’s future.
“National renewal”
The new prime minister, Keir Starmer, vowed to usher in a period of “national renewal” in the UK following his opposition Labour Party’s decisive victory over the ruling Conservatives in the general election.
“Today we start the next chapter — begin the work of change, the mission of national renewal and start to rebuild our country,” Mr Starmer said in a triumphant victory speech delivered in London.
He added that the UK is currently witnessing a resurgence of optimism, likening it to the gradual but strengthening dawn of hope.
“The sunlight of hope, pale at first but getting stronger through the day. Shining once again on a country with an opportunity after 14 years to get its future back,” he said.
The election outcome marks the return of a Labour prime minister to Number 10 for the first time since 2010, while the Conservatives are now poised to contend with internal debates regarding the party’s future direction.
Senior figures weigh in
Ms. Mordaunt, who would have been a potential leadership candidate had she retained her position, criticized the Conservatives for suffering significant losses due to a failure to uphold public trust. She cautioned against a shift towards the right, emphasizing that the party’s revival hinges not on internal dialogue among a shrinking faction, but on aligning with the broader aspirations of the nation.
“Our values must be the people’s,” she added.
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, considered a potential leader from the right-wing faction, attributed the outcome to the Conservatives’ failure to fulfill their commitments.
Meanwhile, Mr. Shapps criticized the internal conflicts within the Conservative party, describing it as a “soap opera” that has disillusioned voters. He cautioned against deviating from a cohesive strategy, which could consign the party to ineffective opposition for years to come. In addition to challenges from Labour, the Conservatives have also faced significant opposition from the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK.
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