London - The Labour Party has secured a historic victory in Britain’s general election, marking the first time in 14 years that a new party will come to power. With the Labour leader Keir Starmer set to take office, the official transition will be completed in a ceremony on Friday where King Charles III will formally request Starmer to form a new government.
Labour’s triumph was emphatic, with the party winning more than 400 seats. The Conservatives secured only 108 seats, with notable losses including Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, Jacob Rees-Mogg, and Penny Mordaunt. The Liberal Democrats made significant gains, while the SNP suffered heavy losses. Additionally, Nigel Farage of Reform UK became an MP for the first time, and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn won as an independent.
By early Friday morning, Labour had officially secured enough seats to form a majority government, winning 326 out of 650 seats. The final tally could see Labour obtaining one of its largest majorities in the House of Commons. Celebrating the victory, Starmer declared, "We did it," during a gathering at the Tate Modern museum in London.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak acknowledged the election results, stating that the Labour Party had won the election. Retaining his seat in North Yorkshire, Sunak took responsibility for the Conservative Party's defeat and expressed gratitude to the party's candidates and supporters. He confirmed that he had congratulated Starmer on his victory and assured a peaceful and orderly transition of power.
Sunak Concedes Defeat
Addressing his supporters, Starmer emphasized that his government will prioritize the country over party interests. "We will put country first, party second," he said, highlighting the responsibility that comes with their significant mandate. He spoke of a focus on "national renewal" and returning politics to public service.
World leaders extended their congratulations to Starmer on his election victory. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his anticipation for a productive relationship with the new British government in a post on X. New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also took to X, praising the longstanding friendship between the two nations and thanking outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for his service.
In a charming scene, Larry, the cat and long-time resident of No. 10 Downing Street, was seen waiting outside the famous black door. Unfazed by the media presence, Larry’s calm demeanor added a touch of continuity as the nation prepares for the change in leadership. Larry was originally brought in by former Prime Minister David Cameron in 2011 to address a rat problem at the Prime Minister’s residence.
As Britain anticipates this significant political shift, the new Labour government under Keir Starmer is poised to begin a new chapter in the nation's history.