After 14 years of often turbulent Conservative rule, Keir Starmer will lead Britain as prime minister when his centre-left Labour Party trounces Rishi Sunak’s party in a parliamentary election.
The results of Thursday’s election are still being tallied, but as of right now, center-left Labour has secured over 326 of the 650 seats in parliament; an exit poll predicted that it would win over 410 seats.
The Conservatives, who have so far only won 70 seats, were expected to make the worst showing in the party’s long history as voters punished them for a number of scandals, failed public services, and rising living expenses. It was an embarrassing night for Sunak.
Keir Starmer declared, “Tonight, people here and across the country have spoken and they’re willing to change, to end the politics of performance, a return to politics as public duty,” following his election victory in London.
“This is where the change starts… You cast a vote. It is now our responsibility to deliver.”
Sunak announced his defeat and stated he had spoken with Starmer over the phone to wish him well on his win.
Polls indicate that there isn’t much support for Keir Starmer or his party despite his resounding victory, and he takes office at a time when the nation is confronting a number of formidable obstacles.
The United Kingdom is expected to face its largest tax load since the immediate aftermath of World War II, with net debt nearly matching yearly economic production, declining living standards, and collapsing public services—particularly the beloved National Health Service, which has been beset by strikes—all contributing factors.
