LONDON — The U.K.’s opposition Labour Party has achieved a significant parliamentary majority in the general election, unseating the Conservative Party after 14 years in power.
In the early hours of Friday, Labour surpassed the threshold needed to govern independently as outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conceded defeat and subsequently resigned as leader of the Conservative Party.
Keir Starmer, the leader of Labour, has now been confirmed as the new prime minister. Addressing the nation from the steps of 10 Downing Street, Starmer stated, “It is surely clear to everyone that our country needs a bigger reset, a rediscovery of who we are,” pledging that his government would prioritize the country over party interests.
Labour’s victory marks its second-largest majority, following Tony Blair’s historic 179-seat majority in 1997. The Conservatives faced their worst electoral performance in terms of seat count, heavily influenced by a notable rise in support for the Reform UK Party.
As millions cast their votes across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland for local representatives in the 650-member House of Commons, results continue to be finalized with some ballots still being counted.
Current Seat Distribution (As Declared)
- Labour: [Seats to be filled]
- Conservative: [Seats to be filled]
- Reform UK Party: [Seats to be filled]
This election signals a pivotal shift in the U.K. political landscape, with Labour poised to implement its vision for the country’s future.