LONDON. Britain’s new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, pledged on Friday to leverage his significant electoral majority to rebuild the nation, aiming to reduce political friction after years of turmoil and strife.
Standing outside his new office and residence at Number 10 Downing Street, Starmer acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge following his party’s landslide victory, which ended 14 years of often tumultuous Conservative governance.
He cautioned that improvements would require time and that restoring faith in politics was his foremost priority. “This lack of trust can only be healed by actions, not words. I know that,” Starmer stated.
Addressing the nation, he emphasized inclusivity: “Whether you voted Labour or not, in fact, especially if you did not, I say to you directly – My government will serve you. Politics can be a force for good. We will show that.”
Amidst cheers and applause, Starmer took a moment to engage with aides and supporters who lined Downing Street, evoking memories of Tony Blair’s 1997 government arrival. From a lectern, Starmer acknowledged the public’s disillusionment with politics after years of scandals and chaos under Conservative rule, which suffered a historic defeat in Thursday’s election.
Starmer interpreted the electoral result as a call for change: “Because no matter how fierce the storms of history, one of the great strengths of this nation has always been our ability to navigate away to calmer waters.”
The center-left Labour Party achieved a massive majority in the 650-seat parliament, prompting Rishi Sunak’s resignation on Friday morning before Starmer met King Charles to be formally named Prime Minister. He promised to prioritize national interests over party lines, reiterating his campaign commitment: “To defy, quietly, those who have written our country off. You have given us a clear mandate, and we will use it to deliver change.”
Labour’s triumph, with over 410 seats (an increase of 211), marked a significant shift in British politics. The Conservative Party, historically the Western world’s most successful party, lost 250 lawmakers, including numerous senior ministers and former Prime Minister Liz Truss.
Sunak addressed the nation outside Downing Street, expressing regret: “To the country, I would like to say first and foremost I am sorry,” and pledged to stay as Conservative leader until a successor is chosen. “I have given this job my all, but you have sent a clear signal that the government of the United Kingdom must change, and yours is the only judgment that matters. I have heard your anger, your disappointment and I take responsibility for this loss.”
Despite Starmer’s decisive victory, polls indicated limited enthusiasm for him or his party. The Labour triumph was achieved with fewer votes than in 2017 and 2019, due to the first-past-the-post system and low turnout. The pound, British stocks, and government bonds saw slight increases on Friday, but Starmer faces substantial challenges ahead.
Britain’s tax burden is set to reach its highest level since World War II, with net debt nearing the annual economic output. Living standards have fallen, and public services, particularly the National Health Service, are struggling amidst strikes.
Some of Labour’s ambitious plans, including green spending pledges, have been scaled back, and Starmer has pledged not to raise taxes for “working people.” He also promised to end the Conservative policy of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda but faces pressure to address the influx of migrants arriving by small boats from France.
“I don’t promise you it will be easy,” Starmer remarked at a victory rally. “Changing a country is not like flicking a switch. It’s hard work. Patient, determined work, and we will have to get moving immediately.”
The election also saw a rise in support for the right-wing Reform Party, echoing similar trends in Europe. However, unlike France’s far-right gains, the British public opted for a centre-left party for change.
Starmer aims to improve EU relations post-Brexit, though rejoining the EU is off the table. He may also need to navigate relations with a potential Trump presidency, as Trump has already congratulated Nigel Farage via Truth Social.
While committed to domestic change, Starmer has vowed to maintain unwavering support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. His foreign policies align closely with those of Sunak.
The election victory represents a remarkable turnaround for Starmer and Labour, which faced an existential crisis just three years ago. A series of Conservative scandals, notably the Downing Street parties during COVID lockdowns, eroded the party’s poll lead.
As Starmer begins his tenure, the nation awaits the promised transformation and the rebuilding of trust in its political system.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
