Keir Starmer has been inaugurated as the United Kingdom’s new Prime Minister immediately following a landslide victory for the Labour Party in the general election. The sweeping win marks a significant shift in the political landscape, reflecting a dramatic fall for the Conservative Party.
The Conservative Party faced a historic defeat, losing 250 seats in the House of Commons. This loss highlights a period of instability and turmoil within the party, which has seen five prime ministers in the past 14 years. In a confession-like speech, outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak accepted full responsibility for the party’s poor performance. He offered a public apology, and announced his resignation from the party leadership.
By mid-morning, moving vans lined the street outside 10 Downing Street, ready to assist Rishi Sunak in his departure. Sunak’s term as Prime Minister came to a formal end as he made his way to Buckingham Palace to offer his resignation to King Charles III. The monarch accepted Sunak’s resignation and turned his attention to the next leader.
Fourteen hours after the initial exit polls were released, Starmer was invited to Buckingham Palace. The King requested Stamer to form the next government.
In his victory speech, Starmer outlined his vision for a government of service. He promised a period of national renewal, addressing the widespread insecurity felt by many citizens. Starmer emphasised the need for gradual and steady change in what he described as a volatile world, seeking to instil confidence and stability in the nation’s future.
One of his first acts as Prime Minister was the appointment of his new cabinet. Angela Rayner was named Deputy Prime Minister. Rachel Reeves made history by becoming the first female Chancellor. David Lammy was appointed Foreign Secretary, while Yvette Cooper took on the role of Home Secretary.
The Labour Party’s win overturns the 2019 general election result, where they were defeated under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn. The Conservative Party, experiencing its worst result in nearly 200 years, saw their seat count plummet to 121. Labour’s victory was substantial, securing 412 seats, which gives them a strong majority of 170 seats—though still short of Tony Blair’s 1997 majority.
The House of Commons comprises 650 MPs. The Labour Party’s 170-seat majority marks a significant change from the 2019 general election, where the Conservatives held an 80-seat majority. Other parties also made notable gains: the Liberal Democrats secured 71 seats, while Reform UK and the Green Party each won 4 seats. The Scottish National Party (SNP) saw a dramatic fall to just 9 seats, largely due to ongoing financial controversies.
Despite their overall success, Labour faced criticism and notable defeats in some areas. Independent pro-Gaza candidates triumphed in key constituencies, highlighting public discontent with Labour’s stance on the Israel’s war on Gaza.
The election proved particularly costly for several high-profile Conservative politicians. Former Prime Minister Liz Truss lost her seat in South West Norfolk, and Jacob Rees-Mogg was defeated in East Somerset and Hanham. Other significant Conservative defeats included Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer and Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer.
