UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak declares Keir Starmer and Labour as winners of the election
The UK election has been called.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has conceded defeat in the UK national election, saying the opposition Labour Party had won.
“The Labour Party has won this general election and I have called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory,” Sunak said after winning his parliamentary seat in northern England.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Today, power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner, with goodwill on all sides. That is something that should give us all confidence in our country’s stability and future.”
“The British people have delivered a sobering verdict today. There is much to learn and reflect on and I take responsibility for the loss.”
Sky News and the BBC have now called the election a landslide for Labour, with Starmer’s party already securing the 326 seats needed to form a majority.
Speaking after the declared win Starmer said: “We did it.”
“You voted for it, now it has arrived. Change begins now,” an energised Starmer said.
“It feels good I have to be honest.
“This is what it is for a changed labour party ready to serve our country and restore Britain to the service of working people.
“Across our country, people will be waking up to the news, relived that a weight has been lifted, a burden finally removed from the shoulders of this great nation.
“We can look forward again, walk into the morning, the sunlight of hope, pale at first but getting stronger through the day, shining once again on a country with the opportunity after 14 years to get its future back.”
Earlier, Sir Keir Starmer said the country was “ready for change” as his party appeared on course for a landslide win in the UK general election.
Starmer was speaking after being re-elected in his seat of Holborn and St Pancras, as counting continues to confirm what exit polls predicted.
Labour is forecast to have a 170-seat majority in the Commons, with the Conservatives reduced to their lowest number of MPs on record.
Starmer, the next UK Prime Minister, said “you have voted, it is now time for us to deliver”.
In his acceptance speech after his re-election was made official, Sir Keir said: “Tonight, people here and around the country have spoken and they are saying they’re ready for change.
“To end the politics of performance and return to politics as public service.”
