Britain's opposition Labour Party secured 326 seats in the parliamentary election, according to broadcaster ITV on Friday, granting them a majority in the 650-seat House of Commons. Keir Starmer is poised to become the next Prime Minister of the UK. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak acknowledged the Labour Party's victory, stating, "The Labour Party has won this general election and I have called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory," after retaining his seat in northern England.
Sunak emphasized the peaceful transition of power, noting, "Today, power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner, with goodwill on all sides. That is something that should give us all confidence in our country's stability and future." Starmer declared that Britain was "ready for change" as his Labour Party appeared set to dominate the election, bringing an end to 14 years of Conservative governance.
The Labour leader comfortably won re-election in his north London constituency, while Labour captured numerous seats from the struggling Conservatives led by Rishi Sunak. Starmer addressed the nation in London, saying, "Tonight, people here and around the country have spoken, and they're ready for change, to end the politics of performance, a return to politics as public service." He added, "You have voted. It is now time for us to deliver."
An exit poll released by UK broadcasters after the polls closed at 2100 GMT on Thursday indicated that Labour was on track to regain power for the first time since 2010 with 410 seats and a 170-seat majority. Starmer will assume power amid challenging circumstances, including a sluggish economy, deteriorating public services, and declining living standards, all of which contributed to the Conservatives' downfall.
Starmer reiterated the call for change after securing his seat in London, stating, "Tonight, people here and around the country have spoken and they're ready for change, to end the politics of performance, a return to politics as public service." He concluded, "The change begins right here... You have voted. It is now time for us to deliver."
