London: Keir Starmer is on the cusp of becoming Britain’s next Prime Minister after his Labour Party secured a resounding majority in the parliamentary elections, delivering a significant defeat to incumbent premier Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party
With Labour surpassing the 326-seat threshold needed for a majority in Parliament, Starmer, 61, took the stage in London to deliver his victory speech, just hours before he is set to officially become the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
“We did it. You campaigned for it, you fought for it, you voted for it, and now it has arrived. Change begins now,” Starmer announced to an elated crowd, emphasizing that the work begins immediately.
Starmer Pledges “National Renewal”
He promised “national renewal” following 14 years of Conservative rule but warned that such a sweeping mandate carries significant responsibility.
Rishi Sunak Concedes Defeat
Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak, the UK’s first British Indian Prime Minister, comfortably retained his own Richmond and Northallerton seat in northern England with 23,059 votes but failed to turn the tide for his party nationally.
A solemn Sunak, 44, accompanied by his wife Akshata Murty, acknowledged his party’s defeat in his acceptance speech, admitting to the “sobering verdict” handed down by voters and taking “responsibility for the loss.”
“The Labour Party has won this general election, and I have called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory,” Sunak stated, pledging to serve his constituents and ensure a “peaceful and orderly” transfer of power.
Conservative Party Faces Major Losses
Prominent Conservative ministers and MPs, including Grant Shapps, Penny Mordaunt, and Jacob Rees Mogg, lost their seats, leading to the results being described as a “bloodbath” for the Conservatives.
New Tory MPs Emerge
However, new Tory MPs emerged, including British Indian candidate Shivani Raja, who defeated Labour’s Rajesh Agrawal in the closely contested Leicester East constituency.
Starmer Secures Own Seat
Keir Starmer secured his own seat of Holborn and St. Pancras in London with 18,884 votes, surrounded by jubilant supporters who anticipated his ascension to Prime Minister.
“The change begins right here. This is your democracy, your community, and your future. You have voted, and now it is time for us to deliver,” Starmer proclaimed in his acceptance speech.
Labour’s Dominance and Other Winners
The initial exit poll predicted 410 seats for Labour, with the final tally suggesting around 408 seats, while the Conservatives are expected to secure approximately 150 seats.
The Liberal Democrats emerged as another significant winner, projected to win over 50 seats. The Scottish National Party (SNP), which campaigned for Scottish independence, appeared to lose several seats to Labour.
Nigel Farage’s Breakthrough
A notable development was Nigel Farage finally being elected as an MP on his eighth attempt, leading his anti-immigration Reform UK party to secure seats in the Commons for the first time. Farage’s victory in Clacton, Essex, where he overturned a 25,000 Conservative majority by over 8,000 votes, reflected a broader trend of Reform UK eroding Tory support.
Farage, a polarizing figure, hailed his win as the “first step of something that is going to stun all of you,” declaring it the “beginning of the end” for the Conservative Party.
“There is a massive gap on the centre-right of British politics, and my job is to fill it,” he asserted.
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