Sir Keir Starmer has declared “change begins now” following his resounding victory in the general election, marking the end of 14 years of Conservative rule.
The Labour leader secured the required 326 seats to gain a majority in the House of Commons. Outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conceded defeat moments before that number was reached, stating, “The Labour Party has won this general election and I have called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory.”
Addressing a crowd of supporters, a triumphant Starmer said, “We did it, you campaigned for it, you fought for it, you voted for it, and now it has arrived, change begins now.” He described the UK’s current moment as “the sunlight of hope,” adding, “Shining once again on a country with an opportunity after 14 years to get its future back.”
With over 635 out of 650 seats declared, Labour is set to form the next government with a majority of at least 100. Sunak acknowledged the difficult night for his party and took full responsibility for the loss, saying, “The British people have delivered a sobering verdict tonight… and I take responsibility for the loss.”
Other key moments from the election night include several Tory cabinet ministers, including Grant Shapps and Penny Mordaunt, losing their seats to Labour. Meanwhile, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn held on to his seat as an independent, and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage won a Commons seat on his eighth attempt.
As the Labour Party prepares for its transition into government, senior Conservative figures, including Mordaunt and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, have been reflecting on the party’s future and the need for renewal.
The election results not only signal a Labour victory but also a significant reshaping of the political landscape, with the Liberal Democrats winning their highest number of seats since the party’s founding and the SNP facing a dramatic reduction in representation.
