AFP5 July 2024 | 4:22

UK's Labour wins overall majority in Parliament

'A mandate like this comes with a great responsibility,' Labour leader Keir Starmer told supporters at a triumphant dawn rally in London.

UK's Labour wins overall majority in Parliament

Britain's Labour Party leader Keir Starmer delivers a speech during a victory rally at the Tate Modern in London early on 5 July 2024. The UK's Labour Party swept to power after winning the country's general election, crossing the 326-seat threshold for a working majority in the House of Commons. Picture: AFP

LONDON - The UK's Labour Party swept to power early on Friday after winning the country's general election, crossing the 326-seat threshold for a working majority in the House of Commons.

"A mandate like this comes with a great responsibility," Labour leader Keir Starmer told supporters at a triumphant dawn rally in London, moments after the results that sealed its landslide win were announced.

Prime Minister-elect Starmer pledged to start a period of "national renewal" in the UK after his opposition Labour party defeated the ruling Conservatives in the general election.

"Today we start the next chapter -- begin the work of change, the mission of national renewal and start to rebuild our country," Starmer said in a triumphant victory speech in London after his party secured a majority in Parliament.

RISHI SUNAK 'TAKES RESPONSIBILITY' FOR DEFEAT

Outgoing British leader Rishi Sunak already conceded defeat to Starmer's main opposition Labour party in the UK general election before its overall majority was confirmed, saying, "I take responsibility for the loss".

"Today, power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner with goodwill on all sides," said Sunak, as his Conservative party appeared to be heading for historic defeat to Labour.