On Friday, July 5th, according to preliminary vote counts, the Labour Party in the UK has successfully secured a majority of seats, winning the UK general election. Prime Minister of the UK, Rishi Sunak, has admitted defeat and expressed his willingness to take responsibility for the loss. He called Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer to offer his congratulations.
Sunak stated that the British people have given a “clear judgment” and acknowledged that “the Labour Party has won this election.” He managed to retain his seat in North Yorkshire but still took responsibility for the defeat.
“I take full responsibility for this defeat,” he said. “Tonight, many excellent and hardworking Conservative candidates lost the elections despite their relentless efforts, strong local records, and contributions to the community. I deeply regret it.”
He added that he had called Labour Party leader Starmer to congratulate him on his victory. “Today, power will be transferred peacefully and orderly with goodwill from all sides. This should instill confidence in our nation’s stability and future,” Sunak said.
Around 5 a.m. local time, the Labour Party successfully won 326 out of the 650 seats, officially securing a majority in the UK Parliament. Starmer is set to become the Prime Minister and can form a majority government.
Starmer also delivered a victory speech to supporters at the Tate Modern museum in London. “We did it. You campaigned for it, fought for it, voted for it, and now it has arrived,” Starmer said. “Change begins now.”
“After four and a half years of hard work, we have changed the Labour Party,” he said. “A transformed Labour Party is ready to serve our country, ready to restore the UK, and serve the working people.”
Starmer will become the first Labour Prime Minister in 14 years. He emphasized that his government will always prioritize the nation over the party. “As a reformed Labour Party, we campaigned, and now we will govern as a reformed Labour Party,” he stated.
“We promised to end the chaos, and we will,” he assured, highlighting that his government will focus on the “national revival.”
Before the votes were counted, according to exit polls by BBC, IT, and Sky, Labour was projected to win an absolute majority with 410 seats. Currently, out of the 539 confirmed seats, Labour has secured 367.
Starmer is expected to visit King Charles III later on Friday to seek permission to form a new government.