It is official. After what seemed like six months, the six-week election period has come to an end and the Conservatives are no longer the ruling party in the House of Commons.
After 14 years of Tory government, which has seen ups and downs ranging from the London Olympics and the legalisation of same-sex marriage to the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis, a new Prime Minister will take up residency on Downing Street.
Based on a manifesto of economic stability, cutting NHS waiting times, and establishing GB Energy, Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party achieved a landslide, whilst the Conservatives saw major losses around the country and their worst-ever election result – including the defeat of 12 cabinet ministers and no seat wins in Wales.
Outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conceded election defeat just before it was announced that Labour had passed the 326-seat mark that is required for a majority. As he conceded, Sunak said:
“The Labour Party has won this general election and I have called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory.”
Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage has been elected as a Member of Parliament for the first time, with his party taking fewer seats than predicted in the exit poll, however, they did come second in around 100 constituencies around the country. The Liberal Democrats came away with their best-ever election result, with 71 seats – an increase of 63.
Speaking as it was confirmed that his party had won their first general election since 2005, incoming Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told Labour members:
“You campaigned for it, you fought for it, you voted for it, and now it has arrived. Change begins now, and it feels good I have to be honest.
“Four and a half years of work, changing the party, this is what it is for: A changed Labour Party ready to serve our country, ready to restore Britain to the service of working people.
“And across the country, people will be waking up to the news, relieved, that a weight has been lifted, a burden finally removed from the shoulders of this great nation. And now we can look forward again, walk into the morning, the sunlight of hope – pale at first – but getting stronger through the day, shining once again on a country with the opportunity after 14 years to get its future back.”
Whilst the results of what has been a historic election have been announced, the consequences will continue to unfold over the coming hours, days and weeks. For all the news surrounding the new cabinet, initial policy decisions, and more across this new era for Britain, make sure you follow Public Sector Executive.
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