Pressure on Theresa May to resign as election backfires and Labour overcome sceptics
THE SNAP ELECTION called to deliver “strong and stable” leadership has led to a disastrous real terms defeat for the Conservative party.
Expectations of a Tory landslide faded in a campaign marked by Tory blunders on social care, election debates, and a ‘robotic’ approach to public appearances. Yet Labour surprised even eve of poll expectations that predicted a reduced Tory majority.
Instead socialist Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who has faced vicious press attacks throughout his tenure, declared “politics has changed” as he celebrated Labour gains across the country.
The Tories will still be the largest party – and are expected to fall just short of a majority to command the confidence of the House of Commons. Speculation is already rife that a cooperation deal with the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), who won ten MPs, could be enough to form a government.
“You’ve transformed the political landscape. You’ve made history.” Momentum Campaign Group
The Tories had won 330 seats of 650 in 2015 – a clear majority. May, calling a snap election in April for June, to reduce the opposition further, has blown that majority and is projected to fall short of 323 seats needed for a majority.
Labour gains from the Tories in England have vindicated the campaign led by Corbyn. His political movement, Momentum, told supporters: “You’ve transformed the political landscape. You’ve made history.”
Labour MPs, who previously tried to remove Corbyn from leadership, and media pundits who predicted a Labour wipe-out admitted they’re expectations had been wrong. In a repeat of Brexit night, the value of the pound also slid in the currency markets following the added instability.
Yet, a ‘progressive alliance’ between Labour, the SNP, Liberal Democrats, Greens, and Plaid Cymru would not form a working majority in parliament.
The SNP will remain the third largest party in Parliament – but with a substantially reduced number of MPs on 35, down from 56 in 2015. The party lost senior members Alex Salmond, Angus Robertson, and Eilidh Whiteford.
With Brexit negotiations set to start in ten days, it is currently unclear how a government will be formed to conduct the negotiations.
Picture courtesy of Ren
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