Rishi Sunak Concedes Defeat as UK’s Labour Party Wins General Elections

Rishi Sunak has congratulated Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister-elect, after the Labour Party won the general election on Friday, July 5, 2024.

The Labour Party secured a working majority in the House of Commons by crossing the 325-seat threshold. Following the announcement of the election results, Starmer addressed his supporters in Central London, expressing his gratitude and acknowledging the significant responsibility that comes with the mandate. He pledged to initiate a period of “national renewal” in the UK, stating, “Today we start the next chapter — begin the work of change, the mission of national renewal, and start to rebuild our country.”

According to the BBC, with over 500 out of 650 seats declared, the Labour Party is projected to form the next government with a majority of 166 seats.

After congratulating Starmer, Sunak apologized to his party members and supporters, taking responsibility for the Conservative Party’s defeat. He stated, “The Labour Party has won this general election. The British people have delivered a sobering verdict tonight. There is much to learn and reflect on, and I take responsibility for the loss.”

The general election resulted in the Conservative Party experiencing its worst outcome in history, losing more than 170 seats and being projected to retain only 136 parliament members. Starmer will take over from Sunak as the UK’s Prime Minister.