The United Kingdom’s 2024 General Election results were finally declared Saturday, July 6^th, indicating that the center-left Labour Party won a landslide victory. The party won 412 seats in the 650-seat House of Commons and achieved a majority of 174. The Labour Party’s success is newfound, defeating the politically powerful Conservative Party that has led a 14-year governing streak. The Labour Party’s leader, Keir Starmer, is now Britain’s 58^th Prime Minister.

Starmer announced “change begins now” in his victory speech. Promising change and stability throughout the campaign, Starmer hopes “a weight has been lifted, a burden finally removed from the shoulders of this great nation,” regarding the end of the Conservative Party’s majority. Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told constituents that the British delivered a “sobering verdict.” He formally announced his resignation as Prime Minister on Friday, July 5. He apologized to the people of the United Kingdom, saying “I take responsibility for this loss.” Time will tell whether Sunak continues to lead the Tories following this defeat.

This landslide victory symbolizes a new era of British politics. Although the Labour Party win was not entirely shocking, the new majority and Prime Minister will be accompanied by very different policies. The British People hope for more stability within the government following the recent Conservative Party’s chaos. The international community additionally wishes for better relations with the foreign body of the United Kingdom following the end of an unstable political era. The Tories have held control since Brexit, making this an unprecedented moment for international affairs. For example, Starmer has already urged Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for a ceasefire in Gaza, describing it as a “clear and urgent need.”

The past 14 years of Conservative government have been marked by division, political instability, and economic suffering. The sixth-largest economy in the world is experiencing soaring inflation. Furthermore, the reputation of the Tories has been tarnished by the quick and messy leadership of Liz Truss and Boris Johnson. This is the worst Conservative result in terms of seats in history, while the Labour Party seized many previously Tory-dominated regions’ votes.

The July 4 General Election marks a radical change for the United Kingdom, as the Labour Party gained a government majority. The UK additionally has a new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, who vows, “we will rebuild Britain” on a “mission of national renewal.” Striving to regain the trust of the British people, he shares, “My government will make you believe again.” If this election demonstrates any information regarding the current state of the United Kingdom, it is that Britons are craving change. The Labour Party’s landslide victory makes this change inevitable.