Britain’s new prime minister, Keir Starmer, announced his intention to leverage his significant electoral majority to rebuild the nation and reduce political tension following years of turmoil. Speaking from outside his new office at 10 Downing Street, Starmer recognized the enormity of the task ahead, as his party’s overwhelming victory ended 14 years of Conservative rule.
He acknowledged that restoring trust in politics would be a gradual process, emphasizing that actions, not words, would be necessary to heal the public’s lack of faith. “This lack of trust can only be healed by actions, not words. I know that,” he said. He assured all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations, that his government would serve everyone and demonstrate that politics can be a positive force.
Starmer received enthusiastic cheers and took time to greet aides and supporters on Downing Street, reminiscent of Tony Blair’s 1997 government arrival. Addressing the nation from a lectern, Starmer expressed understanding of the public’s disillusionment with politics after the Conservative Party’s years of scandal and chaos, which led to their historic defeat in the recent election. He stated that Britain was ready for a fresh start, highlighting the country’s resilience in navigating through historical challenges.
Labour’s substantial victory in the 650-seat parliament prompted Rishi Sunak’s resignation and led to Starmer’s formal appointment as prime minister by King Charles. Starmer committed to rebuilding trust daily, promising a government free from rigid doctrines and focused on putting the country first. “To defy, quietly, those who have written our country off. You have given us a clear mandate, and we will use it to deliver change,” he declared.
The election result marked a significant shift in British politics, with Labour gaining more than 410 seats and the Conservatives losing 250 seats, including many senior ministers. Sunak’s Conservatives experienced the worst performance in the party’s history, attributed to the cost of living crisis, failing public services, and numerous scandals.
In his concession speech, Sunak expressed remorse and acknowledged the public’s call for change. He promised to remain as Conservative leader until a successor was chosen, admitting the clear message sent by voters.
Despite Starmer’s decisive win, there was limited enthusiasm for him or his party, as Labour’s triumph was achieved with fewer votes than in previous elections. Financial markets responded modestly, with slight increases in the pound, British stocks, and government bonds.
Starmer assumes office at a challenging time, with high tax burdens, significant national debt, declining living standards, and strained public services, particularly the National Health Service. Some of Labour’s ambitious plans, like green spending initiatives, have already been scaled back. Starmer has pledged not to raise taxes for working people and to end the policy of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda, though he faces pressure to address migration issues.
At a victory rally, Starmer emphasized the difficulty of changing the country, stating that it requires hard, determined work. The election also saw increased support for the right-wing Reform party, mirroring trends in Europe, but the British public ultimately chose a centre-left party for change.
Starmer has vowed to improve relations with the European Union post-Brexit while maintaining that rejoining the EU is not an option. He also promised continued support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and indicated alignment with Sunak’s foreign policies.
The election victory represents a remarkable turnaround for Starmer and Labour, which faced an existential crisis just three years ago. Conservative scandals, particularly the revelations of parties at Downing Street during COVID lockdowns, eroded public trust and led to the Conservatives’ significant loss in the polls.
