Labour wins majority in 2024 general election as Keir Starmer promises that ‘change begins now’
(Leon Neal/Getty Images)
The Labour Party have wiped out the Conservatives to gain a majority in the 2024 general election.
Keir Starmer’s party hit 326 seats out of 650 – the magic number needed for a majority – at just before 5am.
After the polls closed at 10pm, the exit poll predicted a Labour victory with 410 seats compared to just 131 for the Conservatives.
In his acceptance speech, Starmer said “a burden” had “finally removed the shoulders of this great nation” and “change begins now”.
The incoming prime minister added that a “changed” Labour Party was set to “restore Britain to the service of working people”.
“A mandate like this comes with a great responsibility. Our task is nothing less than renewing the ideas that hold this country together. National renewal. Whoever you are, wherever you started in life, if you work hard, if you play by the rules, this country should give you a fair chance to get on.
“It should always respect your contribution, and we have to restore that.”
Prior to Labour officially reaching the majority threshold outgoing prime minister Rishi Sunak called the Tories huge defeat a “difficult night” and said he had already called Keir Starmer to congratulate him.
“Today, power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner, with goodwill on all sides,” he said, “That is something that should give us all confidence in our country’s stability and future.
“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.”
This is a breaking news story, more to come.
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