Elections in Great Britain - Labor achieves absolute majority - Sunak concedes defeat
After 14 years of Conservative government, the opposition Labour Party has reportedly achieved a landslide victory in the British House of Commons election, according to post-election surveys. Labour Party leader Keir Starmer stated on Friday that "Britain is ready for change." While Labour is predicted to win 410 of the 650 seats, the Conservatives, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, suffered their worst defeat since the beginning of the 20th century and fell to only 131 seats.
The Liberal Democrats, on the other hand, made significant gains and are reportedly set to win 61 seats in the first-past-the-post election. They would thus overtake the Scottish National Party, which is projected to win ten seats, as the third largest party.
The anti-immigration Reform UK Party, led by Brexit advocate Nigel Farage, is reportedly set to win 13 seats according to the post-election surveys. This would represent a significant improvement over the polls' predictions. Farage himself managed to secure a seat in the British Parliament for the first time in his eighth attempt. He previously represented the Brexit Party, the precursor to Reform UK, in the European Parliament in Brussels.
Starmer expected to be new British Prime Minister
Labour was already predicted to win a historic victory in the House of Commons election based on pre-election polls. Labour's party was even projected to win at least 430 of the total 650 seats in the House. With the 410 seats predicted by the post-election surveys, the Labour Party comes close to its record result of 418 seats in 1997 under Tony Blair. To secure a majority in the House of Commons, only 326 seats are required.
Starmer, who is now poised to become Prime Minister upon taking office, thanked his supporters online. "Britain is ready for change," he said. "You have spoken. It's now our turn to deliver," the 61-year-old added, who was re-elected in his constituency in North London.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak acknowledged the defeat of his Conservative Party in the parliamentary election. "The Labour Party has won this parliamentary election, and I have called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory," the Prime Minister said. The British public had delivered a "disappointing verdict," he added. "I take full responsibility for it."
Sunak hints at stepping down as party leader
Sunak won his own constituency with a clear majority, but he hinted at stepping down as party leader. He expressed his excitement about spending more time in his constituency in the coming weeks and announced an orderly power transfer.
During the 14 years of Conservative rule, the British people had experienced a total of five Conservative prime ministers – in 2022, there were three within four months. After years marked by Brexit, Corona, economic crisis, and numerous scandals, they apparently yearn for a change. The issues with the state-run National Health Service (NHS), where patients often have to wait months for doctor appointments or surgeries, also played a significant role in the election campaign.
The Tories conducted a mainly negative campaign, warned against tax increases under a Labour government, and announced tougher approaches on the issues of migration and security. In contrast, 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. "The land first, then politics," he repeated.
Starmer began his political career only nine years ago. After the clear defeat of the Tories, Sunak is expected to resign as Prime Minister at King Charles III's court on Friday. Shortly thereafter, the Monarch can invite Starmer to lead the next British government as Premier Minister. Starmer's next stop will be the Prime Minister's office at 10 Downing Street in London, where he will give his first speech and appoint his ministers.
For Starmer, who started his political career only nine years ago and worked as a lawyer beforehand, this is a remarkable rise. Sunak, who had taken office only 20 months ago, is the first serving British Prime Minister not to be re-elected in a Parliamentary election.
Congratulations from Germany have already arrived for Starmer and his party. German Labour and Social Affairs Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) sent a "heartfelt congratulations" to "the friends of the Labour Party and the future British Prime Minister Keir Starmer" and wrote about a "new chapter of British-German friendship and cooperation". German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) also congratulated Starmer and Labour.
In light of the Labor Party's projected win of 410 seats, Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of Great Britain, forecasted a challenging future for his Conservative Party. Keir Starmer, the Labor Party leader and the expected new Prime Minister, expressed his gratitude for the British public's support and emphasized their readiness for change.
