Labour Party Wins UK General Election 2024
Exciting news from the UK as the Labour Party secures victory in the 2024 general election, surpassing the 326-seat majority mark in the House of Commons. This landmark win will see Keir Starmer stepping into the role of the new Prime Minister.
Friday’s election results mark the end of a 14-year Conservative government era, which witnessed five different prime ministers in office. Outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak gracefully accepted defeat after several cabinet members lost their positions.
The previous Parliament, led by Rishi Sunak, had 15 Members of Parliament of Indian-origin, including representation from both the Labour and Conservative parties.
In this year’s general elections, a record number of 107 British-Indians contested for the 680 available seats. Reports indicate that the upcoming House of Commons will boast a higher number of Indian-origin MPs compared to the outgoing Parliament.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the notable British MPs of Indian-origin who emerged victorious:
Rishi Sunak
Despite conceding defeat to the Labour Party, outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak retained his seat in northern England. Sunak, from the Conservative Party, acknowledged the peaceful transfer of power following his party’s loss.
Shivani Raja
Shivani Raja, a prominent figure in the Conservative Party, secured victory in the Leicester East constituency, overcoming strong competition from former MPs Claude Webbe and Keith Vaz who ran as Independents.
Hailing from Leicester, Raja pursued her education locally before attaining a First Class Honours degree in Cosmetic Science from De Montfort University.
Kanishka Narayan
Kanishka Narayan, a Labour Party leader, made history as the first MP of Welsh heritage from a minority background. Narayan’s victory came after defeating former Welsh Sec Alun Cairns, showcasing his strong political acumen.
Suella Braverman
Suella Braverman, representing the Conservative party, secured the Fareham and Waterlooville seat in a significant win. Braverman, of Indian descent, faced various challenges during her tenure, including being replaced as interior minister in a cabinet reshuffle.
Interestingly, Braverman was originally named Sue-Ellen Fernandes, with her unique moniker inspired by a character from the iconic TV show, Dallas.
Preet Kaur Gill
Preet Kaur Gill, a candidate from the Labour Party, emerged victorious in the Birmingham Edgbaston constituency with a significant majority. This win solidifies Gill’s position as Britain’s first Sikh female MP, a title she first attained in the 2017 election.