Keir Starmer wins British general election with record low turnout

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) – Keir Starmer has become the new Prime Minister of the UK, following a decisive victory in Thursday's general election that ended 14 years of Conservative rule. However, it was also marked by a notably low voter turnout.

According to the BBC, only 60% of eligible voters participated in the election, making it one of the lowest turnouts in British history since 1885.

The only lower turnout in recent times was in 2001, when Prime Minister Tony Blair secured a second term with roughly 59% voter participation.

Political analysts suggest that the anticipated outcome of the election may have contributed to voter apathy.

With polls predicting a Labour victory, many voters may have felt their votes would not impact the outcome, resulting in decreased engagement.

Starmer's victory, while comprehensive, comes at a time when public trust in mainstream politics is waning.

The 2019 general election had a turnout of 67.3%, the second-highest since Tony Blair's landslide victory in 1997.

The Labour Party has won the parliamentary election, securing the 326 seats needed for a majority in the House of Commons.

The party won 412 seats in the 650-seat House of Commons, while the Conservatives secured 121.

Labour also won the "Red Wall" constituencies like Bolsover, bellwether gains like Nuneaton and Stevenage.

The counting of the votes continues.