LONDON - As Britain gears up for its national election, Keir Starmer of the Labour Party and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the Conservative Party kicked off the final day of campaigning with dire warnings about the economic future if the other wins. Opinion polls suggest a significant Labour victory, which would end 14 years of Conservative governance and position Starmer to become the next Prime Minister.
Labour’s campaign coordinator, Pat McFadden, emphasized the importance of voter turnout, stating, "Don’t forget the economic chaos for which the British people are still paying the price. If you vote Conservative, nothing will change. If you don’t vote at all or vote for another party, you run the risk of waking up on Friday to Rishi Sunak walking through the door to No. 10 once again."
Starmer has focused his campaign on the promise of 'Change,' addressing public dissatisfaction with strained public services and declining living standards, which he attributes to economic sluggishness and political instability.
In contrast, Sunak has argued that his tenure has begun to stabilize the economy after the disruptions caused by COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine. He contends that Starmer's proposed changes would necessitate tax increases, further burdening the economy.
Facing a daunting 20-point gap in the polls, the Conservatives have shifted their strategy from seeking victory to minimizing defeat. They warned that a large Labour majority would enable Starmer to implement extreme policies and significant tax hikes.
The campaign has seen up to one in five voters casting postal ballots, with polling stations set to open at 0600 GMT on Thursday. Despite the intensity of the campaign, the gap between Labour and the Conservatives has remained largely unchanged.
The Conservative Party, known for its adaptability, has struggled under Sunak to reconcile the legacies of past Tory leaders with current challenges. The past 14 years of Conservative rule have been marked by two referenda—on Scottish independence and Brexit—along with global shocks from COVID-19 and the Ukraine war. These events have reshaped UK politics and exacerbated internal party divisions.
The 2019 Conservative victory, fueled by a coalition eager to resolve the Brexit impasse, has since revealed deep ideological splits, particularly under the tumultuous leadership of Boris Johnson. The rapid succession of three prime ministers in late 2022 further highlighted the political instability that has plagued the party.
Sunak's efforts to bring stability may be recognized in future historical assessments, yet his economic management amidst longstanding weak growth remains a contentious issue. Historical patterns also pose a challenge, as no party has won five consecutive general elections in modern times.
Labour, wary of past electoral defeats, has maintained a disciplined and cautious campaign, focusing on economic credibility and national security. Despite their lead, they remain acutely aware of the difficulties they will face if they win, including managing bleak public finances and meeting the high expectations of a restless electorate.
The arrival of Nigel Farage as the leader of Reform UK has added another layer of complexity. Farage's influence has notably unsettled the Conservatives, with rising support for Reform UK reflecting broader discontent.
The Liberal Democrats, under Sir Ed Davey, have also sought to capitalize on voter disillusionment with the major parties. Despite the party's attention-grabbing tactics, they aim to surpass the Scottish National Party and secure a stronger position in Westminster.
As the election campaign draws to a close, the economic future of Britain remains a pivotal issue, with all parties facing significant challenges and uncertainties.