British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to lead a “government of service” dedicated to national renewal in his first official remarks on Friday, following Labour Party’s landslide victory after over a decade in opposition.
In his speech outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer addressed the widespread disillusionment with politics, promising to restore faith in government. “My government will make you believe again,” he declared as supporters cheered. “The work for change begins immediately. We will rebuild Britain. Brick by brick, we will rebuild the infrastructure of opportunity.”
Starmer took over the official residence shortly after Conservative leader Rishi Sunak and his family vacated, with the king accepting Sunak’s resignation. “This is a difficult day, but I leave this job honored to have been prime minister of the best country in the world,” Sunak said in his farewell address, acknowledging the voters’ “sobering verdict” and taking responsibility for the loss. He wished Starmer well and apologized to his party’s candidates and campaigners.
With Labour securing 410 seats in the 650-seat House of Commons and the Conservatives only 118, Starmer faces a weary electorate eager for change amidst economic struggles, institutional distrust, and social challenges. London voter James Erskine expressed optimism for a significant shift, echoing Starmer’s sentiment that “change begins now.”
Anand Menon, professor of European Politics and Foreign Affairs at King’s College London, noted that voters should expect a return to more stable governance, contrasting the tumultuous “politics as pantomime” of recent years. Britain’s recent history includes the EU divorce, the COVID-19 pandemic, and political scandals, contributing to widespread pessimism.
The election also saw a significant shift with smaller parties gaining ground. The Liberal Democrats won about 70 seats, while Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, secured four seats, including one for Farage himself. The Green Party increased its seats from one to four. The Scottish National Party, however, lost most of its 57 seats to Labour.
Labour’s cautious yet effective campaign promised economic growth, infrastructure investment, and a focus on clean energy. In contrast, the Conservative campaign was marred by gaffes and scandals, contributing to their historic defeat.
In Henley-on-Thames, a historically Conservative area, voter Patricia Mulcahy noted a desire for change among the younger generation. “The younger generation are far more interested in change,’’ she said. “But whoever gets in, they’ve got a heck of a job ahead of them. It’s not going to be easy.”
48
