Labour Party Wins UK General Election, Marks Shift Towards Centrist Politics
In a decisive victory, the Labour Party has won the UK general election, marking a shift towards more centrist politics under the leadership of Keir Starmer. The party secured 412 seats in the House of Commons, surpassing the threshold of 326 for an absolute majority.
Cabinet Appointments
Starmer appointed Rachel Reeves, the first woman to hold the position, as head of the Economy portfolio. He also appointed David Lammy, a lawyer of Guyanese origin, to a senior role. The appointments reflect Starmer’s efforts to promote diversity and representation in his government.
Economic Policy
Starmer campaigned on a platform of cautious economic management, promising a long-term growth plan that includes strengthening public services, particularly the health system. He also pledged to raise taxes on certain categories of taxpayers, including private schools and companies in the oil sector, but not on workers.
Foreign Policy
In his first statements, Lammy called for an "immediate ceasefire" in the war between Israel and the Islamist Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip. Starmer also reaffirmed Britain’s "unwavering" commitment to defending Ukraine against Russia during a telephone conversation with US President Joe Biden.
Parliamentary Results
Labour won 412 seats in the House of Commons, while the Conservative Party won 121 seats, its lowest figure in an election since the party was founded in 1834. The far-right party Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, entered Parliament with five seats.
Defeat of Conservative Heavyweights
Several Conservative heavyweights, including former Prime Minister Liz Truss and outgoing Defence Minister Grant Shapps and Culture Minister Lucy Frazer, lost their seats. The defeat marks a significant blow to the Conservative Party, which has been in power since May 2010.
Implications
The election results signal a significant shift in British politics, with the Labour Party’s victory marking a departure from the more left-leaning policies of its predecessor. The outcome also raises questions about the future of the Conservative Party, which has been plagued by internal struggles and a deep crisis.