Keir Starmer’s Labour Party won a historic victory in the UK elections, destroying Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party and ousting the British-Indian prime minister from office after just over a year.
The Conservative Party, which won 365 seats in the last UK election, has seen its numbers reduced to just 121, while the Labour Party won handily, winning more than 400 seats.
Now let’s look at the numbers:
Sunak placed the blame entirely on himself, conceding defeat mid-count, saying: “Firstly, I’m sorry. I’ve given my all to this job but you have sent a clear signal that the UK government must change.”
“The only judgement that matters is yours. I have heard your anger and disappointment, and I take responsibility for this defeat. In light of this result, I will step down as party leader, not immediately, but once the formal process for selecting my successor has been put in place,” he added.
Meanwhile, facing many challenges, new Prime Minister Starmer said, “With such a task comes great responsibility. Our task is nothing less than a renewal of the ideals that unite this country – a renewal of the nation. No matter who you are or where you start in life, if you work hard and play by the rules, this country should give you a fair chance to succeed. The country should always respect your contribution and we must restore that.”
Elections to select representatives for the UK’s 650 constituencies took place on 4 July.
(Source: Reuters)
Published July 5, 2024 13:02 IST
