By Andrew MacAskill, Elizabeth Piper and Alistair Smout
An exit poll on Thursday indicated that Keir Starmer will be Britain's next prime minister, with his Labour Party projected to win 410 seats in the 650-seat parliament, securing a majority of 170. On the other hand, Rishi Sunak's Conservatives are forecast to suffer historic losses, with only 131 seats predicted.
The forecast suggests a significant shift in power, ending 14 years of Conservative-led government and marking a new era in British politics. Voters appear to have punished the Conservatives for a cost-of-living crisis, years of instability, and internal conflicts that have plagued the party.
Labour's campaign coordinator, Pat McFadden, expressed optimism about the future, stating, "Britain’s future was on the ballot at this election. And, if we are successful tonight, Labour will get to work immediately with our first steps for change."
The predicted outcomes also showed the centrist Liberal Democrats capturing 61 seats, while Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage's Reform UK was forecast to win 13 seats. The disenchanted British public seems to have shifted support towards the centre-left, unlike recent trends in other countries like France.
Notably, the Scottish National Party was forecast to win only 10 seats, its worst showing since 2010, amidst internal turmoil and leadership challenges.
If the exit poll results hold true, it would mark a remarkable turnaround for Keir Starmer and Labour, who were facing an existential crisis just three years ago. The campaign was marred by scandals and missteps on the Conservative side, contributing to their downfall in the polls.
Despite initial skepticism about Starmer's leadership, his message of change seems to have resonated with voters, leading to a commanding lead for Labour. While the predicted outcome falls short of the record set by Tony Blair's Labour in 1997, it signifies a significant shift in British politics.
Analysis:
The UK election results indicate a decisive victory for the Labour Party under Keir Starmer, marking the end of a long reign by the Conservatives. The outcome reflects a shift in public sentiment towards a desire for change and stability, as voters express discontent with the status quo. The implications of this election could have far-reaching effects on the UK's economic and social policies, as a new government takes charge with a strong mandate for reform.