UK General Election: Labour Wins Majority, Starmer to be Next PM

The Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, has won the 2024 UK General Election, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. The victory ends 14 years of Conservative rule and sets the stage for Starmer to become the UK’s new Prime Minister.

Celebrations erupted as Starmer addressed a Labour Party victory rally in central London on Friday morning, expressing both joy and a sense of duty. “You campaigned for it, you fought for it, you voted for it and now it has arrived. Change begins now,” Starmer declared to a jubilant crowd. He emphasized the readiness of a transformed Labour Party to serve the nation, highlighting the party’s evolution and its commitment to public service.

However, Starmer acknowledged the weight of the mandate given to him by the electorate. Shortly after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conceded defeat, Starmer spoke of the need for “national renewal,” stressing the importance of restoring trust in politics and ensuring fair opportunities for all citizens. “Our task is nothing less than renewing the ideas that hold this country together. National renewal…If you work hard, if you play by the rules, this country should give you a fair chance to get on… We have to restore that,” he said.

Starmer, a former barrister who entered Parliament in 2015 and assumed Labour leadership in 2020, has guided his party towards the political centre. His platform focuses on revitalizing public services while maintaining fiscal responsibility, aiming to address the needs and concerns of the British populace.

The outgoing Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, received 47.5 percent of the vote in his constituency but conceded the Labour Party’s overall win. In his concession speech, Sunak expressed responsibility for the loss and apologized to the Conservative candidates who, despite their dedication and hard work, were not successful in the election. “I take responsibility for the loss to the many good, hard-working, conservative candidates who lost tonight despite their tireless efforts, their local records of delivery, and their dedication to their communities. I am sorry,” Sunak stated.

Sunak called for a snap vote in late May, surprising many within his party. Reflecting on the election outcome, he affirmed the orderly and peaceful transition of power, underscoring the commitment to goodwill on all sides. “Today power will change hands in an orderly and peaceful manner, with goodwill on all sides,” he said. Sunak announced his intention to head to London to address the election results further before stepping down from his role as Prime Minister.