ower was transferred amicably within hours of the polls closing in the United Kingdom. Remarkably, there were no complaints and no election-related disputes. No election tribunals were formed. The transition of power proceeded smoothly and efficiently, allowing the new government to take over without any delay. The seamless transfer underscored the stability and maturity of the UK’s democratic system.

As soon as a private company, Exit Poll Survey, predicted a sweeping victory with 410 seats for the Labour Party, Rishi Sunak, the incumbent prime minister, accepted defeat and responsibility for his party’s failure. In a gracious gesture, he congratulated Labour on their success. Shortly thereafter, the leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer, who typically avoids extensive media exposure, appeared before the press to thank Mr Sunak. This concluded the 2024 general elections saga in the UK, marking a significant political shift.

The beauty of diversity in the UK’s democratic system was prominently on display in the recent elections. More than 90 members of parliament elected out of 650 came from ethnic minority backgrounds. The Pakistani diaspora achieved significant representation, winning 15 seats and retaining 11. Individuals of Indian descent secured more than 20 seats. MPs of Bangladeshi background won four seats and those of Arab origin 2 seats. Notably, leading independent candidates including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and four other Pro-Gaza candidates, also secured victories in England. This outcome underscores the inclusive and diverse nature of the UK’s political landscape.

Yuan Yung, formerly a journalist, won from Reading to become the first ever MP of a Chinese background.

The successful pro-Gaza candidates include Shockat Adam and Ayoub Khan, who notably defeated England’s first Muslim MP, Khalid Mahmood, by nearly 500 votes in Birmingham Perry Barr. Adnan Hussain won in Blackburn with 10,518 votes, beating Labour’s Kate Hollern by just 162 votes. In Dewsbury and Batley, Iqbal Mohamed secured victory over Labour candidate Heather Iqbal by almost 7,000 votes, marking the first time an independent candidate had won this seat since 1907. This election was also significant for the redrawing of constituency boundaries, which contributed to Labour winning 411 seats, an increase of 209 from the last election. The Conservatives saw a major decline, securing only 121 seats, a decrease of 244. The Liberal Democrats gained 61 seats for a total of 72. The Scottish National Party won 9 seats, down from 48. Reform UK won 5 seats and the Green Party of England and Wales 4. Official data indicates that 300 MPs were re-elected, while 335 candidates are new MPs. 15 are returning MPs after a gap in service. Out of the 650 seats in the House of Commons, 387 MPs are men (59 percent) and 263 women (41 percent), a record high. Six independent candidates were successful. Overall, 4,515 candidates stood for election to Parliament in 2024, over a thousand more than the 3,327 candidates who stood in 2019.

The Pakistani diaspora achieved significant representation, winning 15 seats and retaining 11. Notably, leading independent candidate, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and four other Pro-Gaza candidates also secured victories in England. This outcome underscores the inclusive and diverse nature of the UK’s political landscape.

On his first day as prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer made a significant move by announcing the repeal of the controversial Rwanda bill during a media briefing. Shortly afterwards, he travelled to Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, where he met with their first ministers, assuring them of his full cooperation. Sir Keir also successfully negotiated with the owner of TATA Steel, convincing them not to lay off 1,800 employees. During his extensive national tour, he announced the historic de-nationalisation of the railways; held meetings with all the mayors of England to discuss the devolution of powers; and unveiled an ambitious plan to build 1.5 million new homes. Additionally, he reached out to US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, emphasising the need for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The Labour Party marked a milestone by appointing a record eight new members to the House of Lords. Party sources suggest that the number of peers may increase in the coming days, though some of the current members could be removed from their positions.

The general election saw a voter turnout of 60 percent, a drop from 68 percent in the previous election. This decrease is attributed to the new voter ID rules and widespread voter disappointment with the major parties’ handling of economic growth and the Gaza war. Despite these challenges, Sir Keir Starmer’s initial actions as prime minister indicate a proactive approach to governance and national unity.

The capital of the United Kingdom, London, marked another historic victory for Labour in the recent election. The Labour Party secured 59 out of 75 seats, a dominant performance in the capital. The Conservatives won nine seats, losing six from their previous tally; the Liberal Democrats won six seats. Independent candidate Jeremy Corbyn retained his seat. Notably, no Conservative MP won in Inner London. Labour MP Rachel Black’s victory in another historic seat marked the first time the Conservatives have lost in this constituency since its creation in 1950.

This outcome highlights a significant shift in the political landscape of London, further strengthening Labour’s position in the capital.

It is crucial to highlight the pivotal role of biradri (clan politics) in the United Kingdom’s election involving Pakistani-origin communities such as Jaats, Chaudharys, Rajas and Gujjars, among others. These communities campaigned extensively, emphasising the strength and unity derived from their shared cultural and familial ties. This approach not only galvanised support but also underscored the significance of collective identity and support networks within the electoral process. By leveraging their connectedness and solidarity, these communities effectively navigated the political landscape, advocating for issues that resonated in their shared cultural framework and ensuring their voices were heard in the democratic process.

The writer is a correspondent in London for Geo News, Daily Jang and The News International