On Thursday, Britons cast their votes in a general election anticipated to see the Labour party reclaim power, ending a Conservative rule lasting nearly fifteen years. Following Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister’s unexpected decision to advance it by six months, the UK’s first national election since Boris Johnson’s 2019 Tory landslide victory is underway.
His risky move appears poised for a dramatic failure, as polls over the six-week campaign, and for the past two years, indicate a significant loss for his conservative party.
This would likely result in Labour leader Keir Starmer, aged 61, becoming the Prime Minister, leading the largest party in parliament.
The centre-left Labour party is expected to achieve its largest victory ever in a general election since 2005, according to a series of election-eve polls.
Starmer emphasized the importance of voting, urging against complacency: ‘The future of Britain is at stake; voting is crucial for change.’
Voting commenced at 7:00 am across over 40,000 polling stations nationwide, spanning venues from church halls and community centers to more unconventional spots like pubs and even a ship.
By 10:00 pm, broadcasters release exit polls, traditionally offering a clear snapshot of the main parties’ performance.
Throughout the night, results from the UK’s 650 constituencies gradually unfold, with the winning party expected to secure at least 326 seats for a parliamentary majority by dawn on Friday.
Pre-election surveys indicate potential voter backlash against the Tories after 14 tumultuous years in power, potentially leading to the removal of several government ministers, including speculation about Sunak’s safety.
If so, it would mark the first time a sitting prime minister fails to retain their seat in a general election.
‘I understand people’s frustrations with our party,’ he acknowledged on Wednesday. ‘But tomorrow’s vote… is about shaping the future.’
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Endorsement
Sunak, 44, is widely seen as having run a poor campaign, with anger over his early departure from the D-Day commemorations in France being a standout moment.
In new blows on Wednesday, The Sun newspaper switched allegiance to Labour—a key endorsement given the tabloid has backed the winner at every election for several decades.
This follows endorsements from the Financial Times, The Economist, The Sunday Times, The Guardian, and The Daily Mirror, all backing Labour.
Meanwhile, three large-scale surveys indicated Labour was on the brink of a record victory, with the Tories set for their worst-ever result and the centrist Liberal Democrats resurgent in third.
YouGov, Focaldata, and More in Common all projected Labour would secure at least 430 seats, surpassing the 418 won under Tony Blair in 1997.
The Conservatives could fall to a record low of fewer than 127 seats, the trio predicted.
The Lib Dems were tipped to gain dozens of seats—up from their current tally of 15—while Nigel Farage’s anti-immigrant Reform UK party was set to win a handful.
YouGov and More in Common both forecast the Brexit figurehead would finally become an MP at the eighth attempt.
‘National renewal’
If the predictions are accurate, Sunak will on Friday visit King Charles III to tender his resignation as prime minister.
Starmer will meet the monarch shortly after to accept the invitation to form the next government and become prime minister.
The Labour leader will then travel to Downing Street, where he is expected to deliver a speech before making ministerial appointments.
This would cap a remarkable political rise for the former human rights lawyer and chief prosecutor, first elected an MP in 2015.
He has promised a “decade of national renewal” but faces the daunting task of revitalising creaking public services and a flatlining economy.
