Daily Times

A befitting end to a thrilling roller coaster ride saw the British Labour Party win its largest majority since it was founded over a century ago.

More surprisingly, in a year where populist sentiments are running high in all directions and extremist positions receive public support in countries around the globe, Labour’s Keir Starmer managed to do so with moderate, sensible rhetoric and a progressive agenda. Although the ghosts of past demagogues continue to leave the nation divided and uncertain about its future, the centre is expected to hold the mighty cards.

With a bold manifesto that promised change – a return to socialist value -, the Labour Party may have managed to run through the ribbon. To its misfortune, a record low voter turnout and little sign from the British electorate to accept socially liberal, fiscally conservative politics can easily reduce this “landslide victory” to a hollow phenomenon.

Hearts and minds of a disillusioned electorate may yearn for an end to the chaotic policies of Rishi Sunak but for how long would they wait before holding the executive’s feet to the fire, demanding answers to just empty promises?

“Rebuild Britain with wealth created in every community,” an emphatic Starmer thundered, but can his party really deliver on promises of higher wages, better public services, and a fairer society?

The collapse of the Conservative party, which had been in power for an unbelievable 14 years, could be traced back to a backlash from those fed up with its handling of Brexit, the economy, and social issues, leaving many wondering if this is a foreshadowing of significant changes to come in the British political landscape. From the looks of it, smaller parties are all set to challenge the traditional two-party system. Nevertheless, the common man cares little for the specifics. Only time will tell whether the resolution of their problems is possible in the face of such uncertainty. *