Britons went to the polls on Thursday in a parliamentary election anticipated to usher Keir Starmer’s Labour Party into power, ending Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives’ 14-year tenure marked by turbulence.
Opinion polls suggest Starmer’s centre-left party is poised for a landslide victory, with many voters desiring change after years of Conservative infighting and turmoil, which saw five prime ministers in eight years.
Starmer, a 61-year-old former human rights lawyer, could assume office with a substantial agenda but without overwhelming support or financial resources. “Today, Britain can begin a new chapter,” Starmer stated. “We cannot afford five more years under the Conservatives. But change will only happen if you vote Labour.”
Polling stations across the country opened at 0600 GMT. Sunak, 44, cast his vote early with his wife, Akshata Murty, in Richmond, northern England, while Starmer voted with his wife in his north London constituency around 0830 GMT.
Sunak, who called the election earlier than expected, shifted from seeking a fifth Conservative term to warning of the risks of an unchecked Labour Party. He urged voters to avoid a Labour government, which he claimed would increase taxes, hinder economic recovery, and leave Britain vulnerable amidst geopolitical tensions—accusations Labour denies.
“They will do lasting damage to our country and our economy—just like they did the last time they were in power,” Sunak warned. “Don’t let that happen.”
Voting concludes at 10 p.m., with an exit poll expected to provide the first indication of the result. Detailed official results are anticipated in the early hours of Friday.
REUTERS
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