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I am sorry: UK PM Rishi Sunak concedes defeat in polls
This paves the way for Keir Starmer to become the first Labour prime minister in 14 years.
The Labour party has won this general election, said Rishi Sunak. / Facebook/Rishi Sunak
In a significant political shift, British leader Rishi Sunak conceded defeat on July.5 to Keir Starmer's main opposition Labour party in the UK general election. "I take responsibility for the loss," Sunak stated as the results became clear.
"Today, power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner with goodwill on all sides," Sunak affirmed, acknowledging the Conservative party's significant defeat.
This paves the way for Keir Starmer to become the first Labour prime minister in 14 years. Following his re-election to his seat, the outgoing prime minister described the night as "difficult" for his party, taking "responsibility" for the results.
Shortly after Sunak's statement, Labour secured the 326 seats required for a majority in the House of Commons. Preliminary counts and exit polls suggest Labour is on course to win 410 seats, securing a substantial majority of 170.
Starmer's Labour Party will inherit a challenging landscape, with a sluggish economy, strained public services, and declining living standards, factors that contributed to the Conservatives' electoral downfall.
Starmer pledged on July.5 to start a period of "national renewal" in the UK after his opposition Labour party defeated the ruling Conservatives in the general election.
"Today we start the next chapter -- begin the work of change, the mission of national renewal and start to rebuild our country," Starmer said in a triumphant victory speech in London.
Meanwhile, Sunak left for London to tender his resignation to King Charles.
Rishi Sunak, who became the youngest prime minister of the modern era when he assumed leadership of the Conservative Party in 2022, began his political career by being selected as the Conservative candidate for the Yorkshire seat of Richmond in 2014, a seat formerly held by ex-Tory leader William Hague.
Key moments from the election night included the defeat of several Tory cabinet ministers to Labour candidates, including Grant Shapps and Penny Mordaunt. Additionally, the Liberal Democrats made significant inroads in Conservative strongholds, unseating politicians like Alex Chalk and Gillian Keegan.
In a notable development, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn retained his seat as an independent, while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage secured a Commons seat on his eighth attempt. The Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer defeated the shadow culture secretary, Thangam Debbonaire, in Bristol Central. Furthermore, Labour's shadow paymaster general, Jonathan Ashworth, lost his seat to an independent candidate.
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