The UK’s Prime Minister-elect Keir Starmer has promised to kick-start an era of “national renewal” after his Labour Party brought an end to 14 years of Conservative rule.
In a speech outside Number 10 Downing Street on Friday, the prime minister’s official residence, Rishi Sunak, announced he would meet King Charles to formally resign as prime minister and step down as Conservative Party leader after the devasting results.
“I have given this job my all, but you have sent a clear signal that the government of the United Kingdom must change, and yours is the only judgment that matters,” Sunak said in a speech to voters.
“I have heard your anger, your disappointment and I take responsibility for this loss. To all the Conservative candidates and campaigners who worked tirelessly, but without success, I’m sorry that we could not deliver what your efforts deserved.”
Labour sailed past the 326-seat threshold for a parliamentary majority early on Friday, putting it on course for a landslide victory against Sunak’s Conservatives.
So far, Labour has gained 412 seats, giving it a majority in the House of Commons.
Exit polls predicted the Conservatives were on track to win 131 seats, the worst result in its history. As the vote count continues, the party has currently gained 121 seats.
Earlier on Friday, in a victory speech, Starmer, 61, said the British people had delivered an opportunity for the United Kingdom to “get its future back” and restore the country to “the service of working people”.
Starmer, a former public prosecutor and human rights lawyer, said he would strive to show that politics could be a “force for good”.
Hailing Labour’s massive victory, Starmer said: “Make no mistake, that is the great test of politics in this era. The fight for trust is the battle that defines us our age. It is why we’ve campaigned so hard on demonstrating we are fit for public service.”
Several world leaders have already congratulated Starmer on his success, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“Together, the values of this changed Labour party are the guiding principle for a new government. Country first, party second,” he said.
Labour’s commanding win comes amid widespread discontent with the economy and public services. Under the Tories, economic growth flatlined, the cost of living soared, and hospital waiting lists trebled.
