For the first time since 2010, Britain has a Labour Prime Minister. Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, secured a landslide victory in the 4 July General Election, claiming 410 seats – a significant 84 more than the 326 needed for a majority in the House of Commons. This marks the end of 14 years of Conservative rule.
In a speech delivered at Tate Modern, Starmer declared, “Change begins now.” He emphasized that the Labour Party is “ready to serve our country, ready to restore Britain to the service of working people.” He continued, “Across our country, people will be waking up to the news, relief that a weight has been lifted, a burden finally removed from the shoulders of this great nation.” He expressed optimism for the future, stating, “and now we can look forward, walk into the morning, the sunlight of hope, pale at first but getting stronger through the day, shining once again, on a country with the opportunity after 14 years to get its future back.”
Starmer is expected to announce his Cabinet soon after meeting with King Charles III to formally confirm his appointment. Rishi Sunak, the outgoing Prime Minister, will also meet with the King before delivering his resignation speech.
Sunak conceded defeat in the early hours of the morning from his constituency of Richmond and Northallerton, acknowledging, “the British people have delivered a sobering victory [for Labour] tonight.” He expressed responsibility for the loss, stating, “There is much to learn and reflect on, and I take responsibility for the loss. To the many good, hardworking Conservative candidates who lost tonight, despite their tireless efforts, their local records of delivery, and their dedication to their communities, I am sorry.”
Among the prominent Conservative figures who lost their seats on 4 July include: Liz Truss, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Alex Chalk, Gillian Keegan, Johnny Mercer, Grant Shapps, and Penny Mordaunt.
Adding to the Conservatives’ losses, Nigel Farage’s Reform party won four seats, capitalizing on the Conservative vote split in several regions.
The Liberal Democrats made significant gains, winning over 70 seats in the new parliament, exceeding their previous record of 62 seats achieved in 2005. The Green Party also achieved its goal of electing four MPs.
You can read Starmer’s full victory speech below.
