General election in Great Britain has begun
In the last few years shaped by Brexit, Corona, economic crisis and countless scandals, voters seem to be yearning for a change. The British people experienced five conservative prime ministers in the 14 years of Tory rule, in 2022 there were three within four months.
The Tories had mainly conducted a negative campaign, warned against tax increases under a Labour government, and announced a tougher approach regarding migration and security. Surprisingly, they received support from former Prime Minister Boris Johnson at a gathering in London. He urged the party not to consider the predicted electoral defeat as a "given".
Labour leader Starmer campaigned for a return to seriousness in British politics, promised long-term economic growth, and presented himself primarily as a servant of the country. "Country first, then politics," he emphasized repeatedly. In the final sprint of his campaign, he appealed once more for support for his party: "If you want changes, you have to vote for it," Starmer said on a Wednesday.
Polling stations close at 10:00 PM (local time, 11:00 PM CET). At this time, media announce the results of exit polls, which usually provide a fairly accurate picture of how the major parties have fared. Overnight, the results of the 650 British constituencies begin to trickle in.
In the heart of Great Britain, specifically in London, the Opposition leader Keir Starmer conducted a significant part of his election campaign. Despite the challenges posed by Brexit, Coronavirus, and an economic crisis, Starmer emphasized the need for a change, promising long-term economic growth. In the House of Commons, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a former ally, expressed support for the Tory party, urging them not to accepting an electoral defeat as inevitable. Tony Blair, a former Prime Minister of Great Britain, also made an appearance during the election period, advocating for unity and stability.
