The Labour leader, who looks likely to become the UK’s new prime minister, says people around the country had “spoken and they’re ready for change”, as a raft of Tory cabinet ministers lose their seats.
Sir Keir Starmer has promised to “return to politics as public service” in his first appearance since the exit poll predicted a Labour landslide in the general election.
Speaking after winning his own seat in north London, the Labour leader said people around the country had “spoken and they’re ready for change, to end the politics of performance”.
He added: “The change begins right here. Because this is your democracy, your community and your future. You have voted. It is now time for us to deliver.”
The exit poll projects Labour will win 410 seats overnight – with an overall majority of 170 in the Commons.
That compares to a prediction of just 131 seats for Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives – which would be the lowest seat tally in the party’s history.
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Labour have made several gains as the results roll in – with a former minister, Sir Robert Buckland, becoming the first Tory casualty of the night.
But Mr Sunak’s cabinet has now been gutted, with Science and Innovation Secretary Michelle Donelan, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, Leader of the Commons Penny Mordaunt, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, Justice Secretary Alex Chalk, Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer and Chief Whip Simon Hart all losing their seats to a range of parties.
The prime minister conceded defeat at his own election count, confirming he had called Sir Keir to congratulate him on his victory.
But it hasn’t been an entirely smooth ride for Labour, who have lost Islington North to the party’s former leader Jeremy Corbyn, who stood as an independent.
They have also lost Leicester South, where another independent ousted shadow paymaster general Jonathan Ashworth – appearing to be over the party’s position on the Israel and Gaza conflict – and Bristol Central, where the Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer has beaten shadow culture secretary Thangam Debbonaire.
He added: “The change begins right here. Because this is your democracy, your community and your future. You have voted. It is now time for us to deliver.”
The exit poll projects Labour will win 410 seats overnight – with an overall majority of 170 in the Commons.
That compares to a prediction of just 131 seats for Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives – which would be the lowest seat tally in the party’s history.
But Mr Sunak’s cabinet has now been gutted, with Science and Innovation Secretary Michelle Donelan, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, Leader of the Commons Penny Mordaunt, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, Justice Secretary Alex Chalk, Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer and Chief Whip Simon Hart all losing their seats to a range of parties.
The prime minister conceded defeat at his own election count, confirming he had called Sir Keir to congratulate him on his victory.
They have also lost Leicester South, where another independent ousted shadow paymaster general Jonathan Ashworth – appearing to be over the party’s position on the Israel and Gaza conflict – and Bristol Central, where the Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer has beaten shadow culture secretary Thangam Debbonaire.
