Labour achieves landslide victory in British House of Commons election according to by-election polls
The opposition Liberal Democrats gained 61 seats in the by-elections held under the majority voting system, according to the post-election polls. They would thus replace the Scottish National Party, which was expected to win ten seats and significantly fewer than in the previous election, as the third largest party.
The far-right Reform UK party of Brexit supporter Nigel Farage is projected to win 13 seats based on the post-election polls. This would represent a significant improvement over the predictions in the surveys. 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 predecessor of Reform UK, in the European Parliament in Brussels.
Labour was predicted to win a historic victory in the House of Commons before the election. In the surveys, Starter's party was projected to gain at least 430 of the total 650 House of Commons seats. With the expected 410 seats based on the post-election polls, the Labour Party comes close to its record result of 418 seats in 1997 under Tony Blair. For a majority in the House of Commons, only 326 seats are required.
Starmer, who now stands before his swearing-in as Prime Minister, thanked his supporters in an online service. "Britain is ready for change," he said. "You have spoken. Now it's our turn to deliver," the 61-year-old continued, who was re-elected in his constituency in North London.
In the 14 years of Conservative governments, the British people have 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 countless scandals, they apparently yearn for a change. The issues with the state health service NHS, where patients often have to wait months for doctor's appointments or surgeries, also played a significant role in the election campaign.
The Conservatives primarily conducted a negative campaign, warning against tax increases under a Labour government and announcing a tougher stance on issues such as migration and security. Labour leader Starmer, on the other hand, campaigned for a return to seriousness in British politics, promised long-term economic growth, and presented himself as a servant of the country. "Country first, then politics," he emphasized repeatedly.
After the clear defeat of the Conservatives, Sunak is expected to resign as Prime Minister on Friday and present his resignation to King Charles III. Shortly thereafter, the monarch is expected to invite Starmer to lead the next British government as Prime Minister. Starmer's next stop will then 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 before that, this is a remarkable rise. Sunak, who had taken office only 20 months ago, is the first serving British Prime Minister to be defeated in a parliamentary election.
From Germany, well-wishes have already been sent to Starmer and his party. Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) sent a "heartfelt congratulation" to X on behalf of "the friends of the Labour Party and the future British Prime Minister Keir Starmer." He wrote about a "new chapter of British-German friendship and cooperation." Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) also congratulated Starmer and Labour on X.
- The EU Parliament expressed its congratulations to Keir Starmer and the Labour Party following their landslide victory in the House of Commons election.
- During the election campaign, Starmer promised to negotiate a new Brexit deal with the EU, contrasting with the hardline approach of the Conservative Party and Nigel Farage's Reform UK.
- Despite the historic victory, Post-election surveys revealed that UKIP struggled to gain any significant seats, a stark contrast to their performances in previous elections.
- In Brussels, EU officials expressed anticipation for a new era in Britain's relationship with the EU, hoping for a more collaborative approach under Starmer's leadership.
- The Scottish National Party, although experiencing a loss in seats, still maintains a significant presence in the House of Commons, continuing to advocate for Scottish independence.
- Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister of Great Britain, commended Starmer's leadership and echoed the intention to work towards a more united and inclusive Britain.
- Facing criticism for the Conservative Party's handling of the Brexit negotiations and various post-pandemic challenges, the House of Commons election marked the end of Boris Johnson's tenure as Prime Minister.
- Amidst the buildup to Starmer's appointment as Prime Minister, the EU Parliament and various international leaders have signaled their eagerness to work with the new British government and forge a more collaborative future.
