Labour doubled, Tories "wiped out"
"UK Leadership Change: Labour Wins with Significant Margin, Conservatives Suffer Heavy Defeat. Right-wing Populist Nigel Farage Makes it into Parliament and Announces a "National Mass Movement".
At the UK General Election, the Labour Party has achieved a significant victory. The social democratic party more than doubled the number of their seats, while the conservatives, or Tories, were reduced to a third of their previous parliamentarians. British media refer to it as a "wipeout" of the Tories. This is not entirely accurate, as there will still be Tory MPs in the new parliament. However, it is the worst electoral result in their 200-year history.
The Liberal Democrats gained drastically, winning 63 additional constituencies and now holding 71 seats. One more could still be added: In the Scottish constituency of Inverness, Skye and West Rossshire, the result is so close that a recount will be held tomorrow. Their share of the votes increased only slightly - similarly for the Labour Party. This is explainable by the British first-past-the-post electoral system. A candidate must win their constituency to become an MP. The national percentage of votes a party receives plays no role in the parliamentary majorities.
The Welsh regional party Plaid Cymru doubled the number of their mandates from two to four - the best result for Plaid Cymru. In contrast, the Scottish SNP, which advocates for Scottish independence, suffered significant losses, securing only nine seats (unless they win Inverness, Skye and West Rossshire). In Scotland, Labour was once again in the lead.
The Greens gained four constituencies, three more than in the previous election. In total, they received 6.8% of the votes.
Since the Second World War, only one party has won more seats at a UK General Election than Labour did today. That was also Labour: in 1997, during Tony Blair's historic victory. The gap to the Conservatives was not as large back then, as they still managed to secure 165 seats.
"People are relieved all over the country"
Labour Leader Keir Starmer is now, as expected, the new British Prime Minister. After his election victory, Starmer told jubilant supporters in London: "Change begins now." Starmer exclaimed to the crowd in London: "People all over the country will wake up to the news, relieved that a burden has been lifted from their shoulders."
Observers agree that voters did not bring about the change of government out of enthusiasm for Labour or Starmer, but because they were tired of the chaotic behaviour of the Conservatives for years. Starmer stated: "Election victories do not fall from the sky - they are hard-earned." The success was only possible because he had transformed the party. The British had seen that Labour represented their interests. "And that doesn't stop here."
Sunak congratulates, Farage announces hunt for Labour votes
Rishi Sunak, the former Conservative Chancellor, congratulated Starmer on his victory. Nigel Farage, the right-wing populist, announced a campaign to win Labour voters.
The elected Prime Minister Rishi Sunak admitted his defeat. The Labour Party had won and he had called Starmer to congratulate him on his victory, Sunak said in his constituency. "Power will be peacefully and orderly transferred today with goodwill on all sides. This should give us all confidence in the stability and future of our country." Sunak had scheduled the election six weeks ago - apparently under the belief that he now had a better chance.
Nigel Farage, the Brexit supporter, entered the House of Commons. It was already his eighth attempt to get into parliament. His plan is to build a "mass movement" in the coming years, Farage said after winning his seat. He wants to "poach Labour votes" now.
The Reform UK party, led by Farage, gained 4 seats. Post-election surveys had shown the party performing significantly stronger. The right-wing populists received 14.3% of the votes.
Today at noon at the King's
According to the traditional procedure of transferring government duties, Starmer will go to 10 Downing Street today, where he will give a speech. Later, he will meet and greet employees behind the famous black door. The King is expected to officially commission Starmer with the government formation against Friday midday.
Starmer is scheduled for his debut on the international stage on the coming Tuesday. Then, in Washington, the NATO summit for the 75th anniversary of the alliance takes place. This could be an opportunity to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Joe Biden. Labour has announced that it intends to maintain British support for the Ukraine under attack from Russia and increase military spending.
Swearing-in of MPs on the 9th of July
The MPs of the new parliament will be sworn in on the 9th of July, and the official opening of parliament will take place on the 17th of July. The speech, although given by the King, is drafted by the government. It is an opportunity for the new ruling party to present its priorities in Westminster.
On the 18th of July, Starmer will welcome the heads of state and government of Europe in England to a meeting of the European Political Community at Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. This was founded in 2022 with the goal of strengthening the cohesion, cooperation, and dialogue between the continental countries. Starmer has announced that he intends to improve the agreements with the EU after Brexit. He does not plan to return to the EU.
- Following their victory in the British House of Commons election, the Labour Party will now form the government, with Keir Starmer serving as the new Prime Minister of Great Britain.
- Despite the EU and Great Britain having maintained a friendly relationship after Brexit, the results of the election could potentially impact the negotiations between the two entities, especially when it comes to trade agreements and other political matters.
- In the wake of the Conservative Party's heavy defeat in the election, local leaders in Wales, such as those from the Welsh regional party Plaid Cymru, may seek to seize the opportunity to advocate for more autonomy for Wales within the broader context of British politics.
- The Conservative Party, led by Rishi Sunak, will need to strategize on how to regain the trust and votes of the British public, especially in light of the Labour Party's significant victory and the impressive performance of right-wing populist Nigel Farage and his Reform UK party.
