Keir Starmer is set to become Britain’s next prime minister, with his centre-left Labour Party expected to secure a significant majority in the parliamentary election, ending 14 years of often tumultuous Conservative rule by decisively defeating Rishi Sunak’s party.
Although many results are still pending from Thursday’s vote, Labour has already won more than 381 of the 650 seats in parliament, with exit polls suggesting they could capture around 410.
In a humiliating turn for Sunak, the Conservatives have so far only secured 98 seats and are predicted to experience their worst performance in the party’s long history, as voters punished them for the cost of living crisis, failing public services, and a series of scandals.
“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,” Starmer said after winning his seat in Richmond and Northallerton in northern England. “The change begins right here … You have voted. It is now time for us to deliver.”
Sunak conceded defeat, saying he had called Starmer to congratulate him on his victory.
“Today power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner, with goodwill on all sides,” he said after retaining his seat. “There is much to learn and reflect on and I take responsibility for the loss to the many good, hardworking Conservative candidates … I am sorry.”
