The defeat of the Conservative Party and the victory of the Labor Party in the recent election have had a broad impact on the international level. This change will affect the domestic politics of the UK and the country’s foreign relations. The defeat of the Conservative Party after 14 years needs to be examined. This article discusses the reasons behind the Conservative Party’s loss in 2024.
Holding early general elections to avoid failure
The July 4 general election in the UK took place early. Political analysts have cited the declining popularity of the Conservative Party in recent years as the reason for these early elections. Some politicians of this party believed that if the elections were postponed, it would be a tougher defeat for the Conservatives. Of course, this early election could not prevent the Conservatives’ heavy defeat because the voters were unhappy with the party’s performance.
The British are trying to throw the conservatives out of power
Various polls before the general election showed the British’s dissatisfaction with the conservatives’ performance. In the YouGov poll, only 5% of the Labor Party voters said that they support the policies of the Labor Party. This is while only 48% of these people stated that their only goal was to throw the conservatives out of power. Also, 13% stated their goal as “the country needs a change.” Dissatisfaction with the Conservatives’ performance was essential in the British voting for Labor in the July 4 general election.
Heavy defeat of the conservative party in the general election
The Conservative Party suffered a heavy defeat in the July 4 general election. Rishi Sunak resigned from the Prime Ministership after announcing the general election results. After Sunak’s resignation, the new Prime Minister went to Buckingham Palace to receive the King’s consent to form a government. After the ceremony, he went to his residence in building number 10, Downing Street, and gave a speech. In his first official speech, Starmer promised his servant government would do its best to renew the country. The Labor Party considers the failed policies of the Conservatives and its progressive programs as the reason for the party’s victory.
The growth of the votes of minor parties in the July 4 election
The reasons behind the Conservative Party’s loss in 2024 can be analyzed, but the exciting thing is the growth of minor parties’ votes. The critical event in the recent general elections was the increase in the number of parliamentary seats of minor parties, including the winning of more than 10 seats by the newly founded Reform UK party led by Nigel Farage, the far-right and anti-European politician. His re-emergence meant that voters turned away from the Conservative Party, and part of their votes went to the extreme right. In this election, the Liberal Democratic Party took full advantage of the weakness of the conservatives and multiplied its number of seats in the Parliament.
Reasons behind the Conservative Party’s loss in 2024
Numerous successive crises are the reasons behind the Conservative Party’s loss in 2024. Domestic and economic crises are reasons for this defeat against the Labor Party. The increase in unemployment rate, inflation, and the decrease in many citizens’ standard of living caused public dissatisfaction with Conservatives. Also, the improper management of health crises such as Covid-19 has led to a decrease in the Conservative Party’s popularity. Inefficiency in solving economic problems after Brexit also greatly impacted the Conservative Party’s popularity.
Internal differences cause the ineffectiveness of the Conservative Party
Starmer replaced left-wing politician Jeremy Corbyn as Labor leader four years ago. He made efforts to bring the Labor Party to the path of moderation. As a result, this issue increased the party’s ability to win votes in the elections. One of the reasons for the decrease in the popularity of conservatives is the internal differences of the party. Moreover, weak leadership and inability to attract and retain key party members also led to defeat in the general elections. Substantial intra-party differences and lack of agreement on macro-policies showed the Conservative Party weak and ineffective.
The effect of successive scandals in the defeat of the conservatives
The scandal of leaders is the reason behind the Conservative Party’s loss in 2024. Analysts say that the Conservative Party has faced successive scandals and weak leadership within the party in recent years. After the defeat of the former leader of the Conservative Party, David Cameron, in the Brexit referendum in 2016, the leadership of this party changed hands several times. Boris Johnson, the other conservative prime minister of this country, resigned due to the scandal related to breaking the law during the Covid-19 period. Liz Truss, the party’s next leader, also broke the record for the shortest term of prime minister in this country due to mismanagement. His successor, Rishi Sunak, could not restore the lost dignity of the Conservative Party.
Strong leadership and internal solidarity of the Labor Party
The strong and capable leadership of the Labor Party also gained public trust. The internal unity and solidarity of the Labor Party also helped to strengthen its position in the elections. In addition, the change in political approach is also one of the reasons for the victory of this party. By focusing on social justice and reducing inequalities, the Labor Party attracted widespread support. Paying attention to environmental issues and providing sustainable solutions are also considered essential factors for the success of this party.
The lack of attractiveness of the electoral programs of the Conservative Party
The Conservative Party did not have a coherent election program, and this issue was among the reasons behind the Conservative Party’s loss in 2024. Electoral programs’ unattractiveness is a critical factor in the defeat of the Conservative Party. Conservative party election programs have failed to cover the immediate needs of society. As a result, many people are disappointed with these programs. In addition, the party’s inability to provide new and innovative solutions to old problems has reduced its appeal.
Innovative programs of the Labor Party compared to the Conservative Party
Political analysts have proposed many reasons why the Labor Party won the general election. One of these factors is the attractive and innovative programs of the Labor Party. This party was able to identify and respond to the urgent needs of society by presenting comprehensive and efficient programs. Also, the plans of the Labor Party in the fields of health, education, and workers’ rights have been widely welcomed.
Unprecedented defeat of the Conservatives as a result of 14 years of poor performance
This article examined the reasons behind the Conservative Party’s loss in 2024. It seems that the reason for the unprecedented vote of the Labor Party, in addition to the electoral programs, is the unprecedented decrease in the popularity of conservatives. The mere attractiveness of the Labor Party’s programs did not win them votes in the general election. The Conservatives’ unprecedented lack of popularity led to an increase in votes for rival parties. Also, the weak and ineffective leadership was essential to British dissatisfaction with conservatives. The Conservative Party has suffered a crisis of political legitimacy. They need to regain their position in public opinion. Otherwise, they may fall to third or fourth place regarding the number of seats in the upcoming elections.