Sunday 07 / July / 2024
London: Labour leader Keir Starmer pledged a "national renewal" after has party achieved a landslide victory in the UK's general election.
With more than half of seats counted, Labour has gained at least 326. The threshold for a working majority in the House of Commons is 320.
Outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservatives have seen their seat share drop down to 131.
"A mandate like this comes with a great responsibility," Starmer said.
"We did it," he said at a victory party in London. "Change begins now."
Hope is "shining once again on a country with the opportunity after 14 years to get its future back," he said.
Rishi Sunak concedes defeat, calls Keir Starmer to congratulate the incoming PM
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has conceded defeat and apologized for a poor election result.
Although Sunak retained his seat of Richmond in Yorkshire, his speech following that declaration in his constituency had a somber tone, as he said: "The British people have delivered a sobering verdict tonight, there is much to learn and I take responsibility for the loss. To the many good, hard-working Conservative candidates who lost tonight, despite their tireless efforts, their local records and delivery, and their dedication to their communities. I am sorry."
He added that he had called Labour leader Keir Starmer to congratulate him.
"On this difficult night, I'd like to express my gratitude to the people of the Richmond and Northallerton constituency for your continued support."
Jeremy Corbyn retains seat as an independent
Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader who was expelled from the party amid an antisemitism scandal, has won his seat as an independent.
Corbyn has represented Islington North for 40 years and won the seat comfortably, albeit for the first time without the Labour affiliation.
"This result is to me a resounding message from the people of Islington that they want something different, they want something better," Corbyn said.
Nigel Farage elected to UK parliament on eighth attempt
Reform UK's Nigel Farage was finally elected to the UK Parliament on his eighth attempt.
Although he had previously served in the European Parliament, the Brexit campaigner had not previously been elected at a national election.
"My plan is to build a mass national movement over the course of the next few years," Farage said in his victory speech.
