Labour Party Achieves Historic Landslide in 2024 UK General Election; Faces New Political Challenges
The United Kingdom’s general election on July 4, 2024, resulted in a seismic shift in the nation’s political landscape as the Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, secured a landslide victory, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. Labour won 411 seats in the House of Commons, commanding a 174-seat majority—its third-best result in history and the party’s strongest showing since 2001. The Conservatives, under outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, suffered their worst defeat ever, retaining just 121 seats and losing prominent figures including former Prime Minister Liz Truss, Jacob Rees-Mogg, and Penny Mordaunt.
Labour’s vote share stood at 33.7%, the lowest ever for a majority-winning party, highlighting the least proportional result in UK electoral history. Despite this, Labour emerged as the largest party across England, Scotland, and Wales. The election also marked the first use of new constituency boundaries and the requirement for photo identification at polling stations.
Smaller parties saw historic gains. The Liberal Democrats, led by Ed Davey, captured 72 seats, the party’s best modern result. Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, entered Parliament for the first time with five seats and a 14.3% vote share. The Green Party also made gains, winning four seats. In Scotland, the Scottish National Party (SNP) dropped dramatically from 48 to 9 seats, losing its dominance in the region. In Wales, Plaid Cymru secured four seats. Northern Ireland saw Sinn Féin retain seven seats, marking the first time an Irish nationalist party won the most seats in the region.
Key campaign issues included the economy, healthcare, housing, energy, and immigration, with relatively little focus on Brexit compared to previous elections. Labour’s manifesto promised major reforms, including a pledge to build 1.5 million new homes and overhaul planning regulations to “get Britain building again”.
Keir Starmer, in his first address as Prime Minister, promised a “government of service” and a “mission of national renewal,” vowing to rebuild Britain after years of political and economic turmoil. Sunak, conceding defeat, apologized to the nation and announced his resignation as Conservative Party leader.
Despite Labour’s commanding majority, the party faces immediate internal challenges. Reports have emerged of a “mega-rebellion” among Labour MPs over proposed benefit changes, signaling potential friction as the new government seeks to implement its agenda.
Recent polling suggests the political landscape remains volatile. Surveys in June 2025 show Reform UK leading with up to 30% support, while Labour has dropped to second or even third place in some polls, indicating a highly competitive environment and ongoing shifts in voter sentiment.
Labour’s landslide marks a new era in British politics, but the party’s ability to maintain unity and deliver on its ambitious promises will be closely watched in the months ahead.