Sir Keir Starmer has said “change starts now” following a landslide Labour victory in the General Election.
The Labour leader has achieved the 326 seats necessary for a majority in the House of Commons, bringing an end to 14 years of Conservative rule.
Outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conceded defeat shortly before the required number was reached, stating at his election count: “The Labour Party has won this general election and I have called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory.”
Shortly after, an elated Sir Keir addressed a crowd of supporters: “We did it, you campaigned for it, you fought for it, you voted for it, and now it has arrived. Change starts now.”
He added that the UK was once again witnessing the “sunlight of hope.”
“The sunlight of hope, pale at first but growing stronger throughout the day, shining once more on a country with an opportunity after 14 years to reclaim its future.”
Labour is anticipated to form the next government with a majority of at least 100, securing 410 seats – more than double its count at the last election, giving it a majority of 170 in the House of Commons.
This is just shy of the historic majority of 179 achieved in 1997 by Sir Tony Blair, Labour’s last elected prime minister.
The results show a clear rejection of the Tories, with the previously dominant party predicted to be reduced to just 131 MPs – the lowest number in its history, according to the exit poll.
Locally, Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart held on to his seat by just 124 votes following a recount. He polled a total of 15,501 to Labour challenger Margaret Pinder’s 15,377. Turnout was 63.6 per cent.
In the new constituency of Bridlington and the Wolds, Conservative Charlie Dewhirst won the seat, with 14,846 votes to Labour’s Sarah Carter on 11,721. Turnout was 58.9 per cent.
Two local council election results were also announced this morning – by-elections in the South East Holderness and East Wolds and Coastal wards, which were held at the same time as yesterday’s Parliamentary Election.
In South East Holderness, there was a turnout of 51.6% and Jon Dimberline, standing for Reform UK, was elected.
- Ian Blackburn: Labour Party – 1,550
- Jon Dimberline: Reform UK – 2,027
- Matthew Grove: Liberal Democrats – 498
- David Edward Winter: Conservative Party – 1,755
In the East Wolds and Coastal ward, there was a turnout of 62.7% and Jonathan Bibb, for the Conservative Party, was elected.
- Colin Jonathan Bibb – Conservative Party – 3,105
- Mike Dixon – Labour Party – 1,144
- Andrew Frost – Independent – 300
- Peter Garforth – Yorkshire Party – 634
- Jane Elizabeth Lloyd – Green Party – 451
- Gary Lugg – Liberal Democrats – 1,823
