In a seismic shift of British politics, the just-end election has resulted in a landslide victory for Labour, with Sir Keir Starmer set to become the new Prime Minister.
This historic win was significantly influenced by Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, which split the Tory vote.
The Conservative Party faced a night of unprecedented losses, with a staggering number of senior ministers ousted from their seats.
By 5 am July 5, eight high-ranking officials, including Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, and Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, had been voted out, marking an unparalleled cabinet purge.
Amid the ‘Tory bloodbath’, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt unexpectedly retained his seat, which many had anticipated would be claimed by the Liberal Democrats.
Nigel Farage, a longstanding figure in British politics, achieved a personal milestone by securing a Westminster seat in Clacton on his eighth attempt.
He is joined by three other Reform UK candidates: Lee Anderson in Ashfield, Richard Tice in Boston and Skegness, and Rupert Lowe in Great Yarmouth, highlighting a significant breakthrough for the party on the right.
Labour’s anticipated landslide, initially predicted to yield a 170-seat majority according to exit polls, saw its margin narrow as the final results emerged.
Nonetheless, the party made substantial gains, particularly at the expense of the Scottish National Party (SNP), which lost over 30 seats.
Renowned pollster Professor Sir John Curtice noted, “Labour have not made much advance,” attributing the Conservatives’ downfall primarily to the division caused by Reform UK.
Despite some forecasts suggesting a closer race, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak comfortably retained his Richmond and Northallerton seat with 48 percent of the vote.
However, he conceded defeat and extended his congratulations to Sir Keir, addressing Tory members and candidates with a succinct, “I am sorry.”
Starmer Address To Labour Activists
In central London, a jubilant Sir Keir addressed Labour activists.
“This is what it is, for a changed Labour Party ready to restore service for working people. Across our country, people will be waking up relieved. Now we can look forward into the morning. The sunlight will be shining strong through the day on a country which, after 14 years, has an opportunity to get its future back.”
Keir Starmer
Earlier, during the vote count, he expressed the nation’s readiness for change. In his victory speech after securing re-election in Holborn and St Pancras, he stated, “Tonight, people here and around the country have spoken and they are saying they’re ready for change. To end the politics of performance, and return to politics as public service.”
Sir Keir’s remarks resonated with a hopeful vision for Britain’s future. “You have voted, it is now time for us to deliver,” he affirmed. Thanking supporters and campaigners, he emphasized, “Don’t forget how we got here. This morning we can see that the British people have voted to turn the page.”
Reflecting on his campaign, he shared a personal note.
“I may have mentioned my parents a few times on this campaign – once or twice – but the sense of security we had, the comfort we had from believing that Britain would always be better for their children. The hope – not high-minded, not idealistic – but a hope that working-class families like mine could build their lives around.”
Keir Starmer
Labour’s triumph was underscored by significant gains and key victories. However, the night wasn’t without its setbacks.
Among the unexpected losses was Jonathan Ashworth, a key campaign figure, who lost his Leicester South seat to a pro-Palestine candidate. The only Tory gain emerged from a split vote in the nearby Leicester East seat.
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