Labour Party leader Keir Starmer speaks at a victory reception after the election, London, England, July 5, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)

Keir  Starmer vowed to bring change to Britain as its next Prime Minister after his Labour Party surged to a landslide victory in a parliamentary election on Friday, ending 14 years of often tumultuous Conservative rule. 

With about a dozen results still to come in, Labour had won 410 seats, the Conservatives 117, and the centrist Liberal Democrats 70 – their best ever performance.

Some 250 Conservative lawmakers were ousted in the crushing defeat, including a record number of senior ministers and former Prime Minister Liz Truss.

Starmer comes to power with the UK facing some daunting challenges. Britain's tax burden is set to hit its highest point since just after World War Two, net debt is almost equal to annual economic output, the standard of living has fallen, and public services are creaking, especially the cherished National Health Service, which has been dogged by strikes.

"The Labour Party has won this general and I’ve called Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory. Today, power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner with goodwill on all sides. The British people have delivered a sobering verdict tonight. There is much to learn and reflect on and I take responsibility for the loss," said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Keir Starmer, in his speech declaring victory on Friday, said Britain can look forward to the “sunlight of hope.”