Britain's Labour Party came to power on Friday after more than a decade in opposition, with a tired public handing the party a landslide win—but also the daunting challenge of reviving a stagnating economy and demoralized nation.
Later in the day, Labour leader Keir Starmer will be sworn in as prime minister, returning his party to power less than five years after its worst defeat in nearly a century. In the cruel choreography of British politics, he will charge in 10 Downing Street hours after Thursday's ballots are counted, when Conservative leader Rishi Sunak is ushered out.
"A mandate like this comes with a great responsibility," Starmer admitted in an address to supporters, adding that the effort to reclaim people's trust after years of disappointment "is the battle that defines our age."
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that the opposition Labour Party had won the UK election, while his Conservatives were defeated.
Speaking as the draw broke in London, he said Labour would give "the sunlight of hope, pale at first but growing stronger by the day."
Sunak acknowledged defeat, stating that voters had handed a "sobering verdict."
With practically all of the results in, Labour had won 410 of the 650 seats in the House of Commons, while the Conservatives had gained 118.