Sir Keir Starmer of the Labour Party in United Kingdom has announced that “change begins now” following a landslide victory in the general election.
The Labour leader has achieved the 326 seats required for a majority in the House of Commons, ending 14 years of Conservative governance.
Moments before the crucial number was reached, outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conceded defeat at his election count, stating: “The Labour Party has won this general election and I have called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory.”
Addressing a jubilant crowd of supporters shortly thereafter, a triumphant Sir Keir said:
“We did it, you campaigned for it, you fought for it, you voted for it and now it has arrived, change begins now.”
He spoke of the UK experiencing the “sunlight of hope” once more, describing it as “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.”
After holding onto his seat, a solemn-looking Mr. Sunak acknowledged his party had faced a “difficult night” and took full responsibility for the outcome.
According to Sky News, he remarked: “The British people have delivered a sobering verdict tonight… and I take responsibility for the loss. To the many good, hard-working Conservative candidates who lost tonight… I am sorry.”
The results mark the first time a Labour prime minister will reside at Number 10 since 2010, prompting the Conservatives to reassess the future direction of their party.
High-profile Conservative casualties include former Prime Minister Liz Truss, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, Jacob Rees-Mogg and Penny Mordaunt.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage becomes an MP for the first time, as the party nets four MPs.
Ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wins as an independent, while the Green Party’s Carla Denyer wins Bristol Central.
We haven’t delivered, Truss says
Former PM Liz Truss, who’s lost her seat, has been speaking to the BBC’s Ros Atkins.
“We haven’t delivered sufficiently on the policies people want,” she admits, saying her party failed to keep taxes low or reduce immigration.
Result of United Kingdom General Election
Labour Party – 410
Conservatives – 119
LD – 71
SNP – 8
SF – 7
