UK elections 2024: Historic Victory for Labour
Sir Keir Starmer has promised to build a “government of service” after becoming the UK’s first Labour prime minister since 2010. Speaking outside 10 Downing Street following his party’s landslide election win, he pledged to restore trust in politics and “navigate away to calmer waters.” Appealing directly to voters who did not back his party, he vowed to put “country first” and govern “unburdened by doctrine.”
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Celebration and New Beginnings
- Cheering Supporters: Starmer was cheered into Downing Street by supporters waving Union Jacks and the flags of Scotland and Wales. The PM and his wife, Victoria, hugged old friends and colleagues who had lined up to applaud him.
- Prime Minister’s Speech: Speaking from the lectern, Starmer cautioned that despite Labour’s huge parliamentary majority of 174, his aim of “rebuilding” Britain “will take a while.”
- Cabinet Appointments: Sir Keir is expected to begin appointing his new cabinet on Friday afternoon, with the first meeting scheduled for Saturday.
Sunak’s Farewell
- Apology and Acknowledgement: In a farewell speech outside No. 10, former PM Rishi Sunak apologized to unsuccessful Tory candidates and addressed the public: “I have heard your anger, your disappointment.”
- Leadership Transition: Sunak pledged to remain party leader until formal arrangements for selecting his successor are in place.
Election Results
- Labour’s Landslide: Labour’s victory is largely attributed to a dramatic 20-point drop in Tory support, with the Conservative Party down 250 seats to 121, marking a historic low.
- Labour’s Seats: Labour increased its share of the national vote by around 2%, winning 412 seats, just shy of the historic 179 majority won by Tony Blair in 1997.
- Scottish Gains: Labour saw a 17-point increase in support in Scotland, regaining its status as the largest party as the SNP slumped from 48 to just nine seats.
- Liberal Democrats and Reform UK: The Liberal Democrats won 71 seats, their best result in a century, while Nigel Farage will become one of four MPs for Reform UK.
Starmer’s Vision
- Restoring Trust: Starmer emphasized the need to restore trust in politicians, likening the lack of trust to a “wound” that can only be healed by actions, not words.
- Public Service: He highlighted that public service is a privilege and pledged to make a start in healing the nation’s weariness.
Labour’s Manifesto Pledges
- Economic Growth: Labour’s campaign centered around boosting the UK’s sluggish rate of economic growth through changes to the planning system and attracting inward investment.
- Public Finance Challenges: Party figures have admitted they face challenges amid the difficult economic backdrop.
- Employment Law and Nationalization: Labour has promised to overhaul UK employment law, renationalize nearly all passenger rail, and set up a state-owned energy investment and generation company, along with boosting green investment.
Notable Election Night Events
- Independent Gains: Labour lost some strongholds to independent candidates campaigning on pro-Gaza platforms.
- Greens’ Success: The Greens had their most successful election night, winning four seats.
- Jeremy Corbyn: Standing as an independent, Corbyn was returned in the North Islington seat, defeating Labour’s official candidate by 7,247 votes.
Election Highlights
- Record Number of Diverse MPs: A record high number of gay, women, and ethnic minority MPs are expected to be elected.
- Welsh and Northern Irish Results: Labour made significant gains in Wales, while Sinn Féin is now the Northern Irish party with the most MPs.
Conclusion
Labour’s victory in the 2024 general election marks a significant shift in UK politics, with Sir Keir Starmer set to lead the country with a focus on public service and economic growth.
