Keir Starmer is expected to be formally appointed as Prime Minister. Rishi Sunak has conceded defeat.
“I am sorry. I take responsibility for the loss,” Sunak said in a televised address to his supporters in Richmond and Northern Allerton.
This marks the end of a long Conservative dominance that began in 2010 under David Cameron and continued through the leadership of Theresa May, Boris Johnson, and Rishi Sunak.
Sunak’s defeat, however, didn’t come as a surprise, according to sources. It was the culmination of widespread public dissatisfaction over the handling of key issues and the renewed appeal of Labour’s platform under Starmer’s leadership.
Out of the 650 seats declared by press time, Starmer’s opposition party leads with 412 seats against the Conservatives’ 120. The Liberal Democrats come in a distant third position with 71 seats.
As the Tories come to terms with their devastating defeat, let’s dig deeper into several factors that could have contributed to the historic loss.
{{Brexit, inflation & Covid-19
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Firstly, the Conservative Party has been in a compromising situation since Johnson was forced to step down in September 2022.
Johnson, who assumed office in July 2019, faced criticism that his economic policies were inadequate or poorly managed, especially in response to challenges such as Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising inflation.
Britain’s exit from the European Union contributed to economic uncertainty, with several quarters raising concerns about its potential negative effects on businesses, investment, and jobs.
Some critics argue that prior to this, the government did not adequately prepare for the potential economic and social impacts such as fears about disruptions to trade, supply chains, and the economy at large.
Johnson’s ‘Partygate’ scandal, involving gatherings of government and Conservative Party staff during the COVID-19 pandemic amid restrictions on gatherings, also eroded public trust in the Conservatives.
Johnson’s departure, however, did little to redeem the ruling party, as his successor, Truss, resigned just six weeks into her tenure. Truss’ short-lived premiership has been linked to her failure to address Britons’ concerns about inflation, despite campaigning on a platform promising “growth”.
The UK inflation rate was 2% percent in May 2024, the lowest since April 2021. Between September 2022 and March 2023, the UK experienced seven months of double-digit inflation, which peaked at 11.1 percent in October 2022.
Sunak’s efforts to stabilize the party after the leadership turmoil experienced during Boris Johnson’s and Liz Truss’s tenures, and to revive the economy, did not sufficiently restore voter confidence.
{{Mismanagement of public services
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The Conservatives are widely perceived to have mismanaged public services, including the National Health Service, education, and other essential services.
According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), from June 2020, the elective waiting list, which comprises patients waiting to receive non-urgent treatment or surgery, started rising rapidly, increasing by an average of 80,000 per month up to December 2023.
{{Rise of Reform UK
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The resurgence of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party split the right-wing vote, drawing support away from the Conservatives. This further weakened their electoral base and allowed Labour to gain ground in constituencies that traditionally belonged to Conservatives.
Farage, the driving force behind Britain’s Brexit movement, secured a parliamentary seat in Britain on his eighth attempt, winning 46.2% of the vote in the heavily pro-Brexit Clacton.
{{Labour’s Renewed Appeal
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Under Starmer’s leadership, the Labour Party repositioned itself as a more moderate and less controversial option compared to the Conservatives. This strategic shift helped Labour appeal to voters who were critical of the party’s more radical stance during Jeremy Corbyn’s tenure. Corbyn led the Labour Party from 2015 to 2020.
Xi noted that the two sides should continue supporting each other in a bid to bring more benefits to the two peoples.
China and Azerbaijan are good friends with sincerity and mutual trust, as well as good partners with equality and mutual benefit, and bilateral relations have been developing healthily and steadily, with fruitful cooperation and richer strategic connotations, he said.
China firmly supports Azerbaijan in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, Xi stressed.
The two sides should promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, deepen cooperation in such fields as trade, investment, oil and gas, and photovoltaics, strengthen connectivity, advance the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, and ensure the healthy and stable operation of China-Europe freight trains, he said.
The two sides should also carry out more exchanges in such areas as education, culture and tourism, as well as between the youths of the two nations and at the sub-national level, and consolidate the public foundation of China-Azerbaijan friendship, he said.
China supports Azerbaijan in hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Xi said.
China stands ready to work with Azerbaijan to advocate an equal and orderly world multipolarity, and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and promote world peace, stability and development, he said.
For his part, Aliyev said that Azerbaijan and China are good partners.
The two countries have maintained close exchanges at various departments and levels, witnessed increasing bilateral trade volume, and firmly supported each other in safeguarding independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity in international organizations, he said.
The two sides jointly announced the establishment of the Azerbaijan-China strategic partnership in a joint statement, which is of great significance to the development of bilateral relations, he said.
Azerbaijan firmly abides by the one-China principle and firmly supports China’s great cause of national reunification, which is the trend of history and no force can stop it, he said.
Azerbaijan is willing to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China, tap the potential, enhance cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, investment, new energy and culture within the framework of Belt and Road cooperation, closely collaborate within the SCO and other frameworks, oppose external interference and safeguard regional security and stability, said Aliyev.
The two sides issued the joint statement on establishing the strategic partnership.
Relevant departments of the two sides signed cooperation documents in such areas as Belt and Road cooperation and onnectivity.
Xi made the remarks in his meeting with Tokayev at the presidential palace in Astana.
In their small-group talks, he noted that last year Tokayev and him met twice in Xi’an and Beijing respectively, and made new arrangements and plans for the development of China-Kazakhstan relations, leading the “golden 30 years” of rapid development of China-Kazakhstan relations.
The Chinese side has always viewed its relations with Kazakhstan from a strategic and long-term perspective, and regards Kazakhstan as a priority in China’s neighborhood diplomacy and an important partner for cooperation in Central Asia.
Xi said China’s will and determination to maintain and grow bilateral relations stand firm, and will not be changed due to any single incident or transformations in the international situation.
China will always be a good neighbor and partner Kazakhstan can rely on and trust, he added.
The Chinese side, Xi also said, will continue to strengthen cooperation with Kazakhstan in traditional energy such as natural gas, expand new energy cooperation including photovoltaic and wind power, encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in Kazakhstan, and help Kazakhstan convert its resource advantages into development capabilities to achieve green, low-carbon and sustainable development.
Tokayev said Xi’s state visit to Kazakhstan is of historic significance to the development of Kazakhstan-China relations, hailing China as a friendly neighbor, close friend and important strategic partner of his country.
Based on solid good-neighborly friendship and firm mutual support, Kazakhstan-China relations have shown an unprecedented sound momentum of development, he said, noting that major achievements have been made in cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, minerals and other fields, which have benefited the two peoples and set a good example for state-to-state relations.
Kazakhstan is ready to work with China to further tap the potential of bilateral cooperation in energy, minerals, new energy and connectivity and push bilateral relations to a new height, he said.
The Kazakh side appreciates China’s firm support for Kazakhstan’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and will firmly abide by the one-China principle, resolutely fight against the “three forces” and safeguard the common security of the two countries, Tokayev added.
In their big-group talks, Xi said the friendly relations between China and Kazakhstan are rooted in the millennia-old ancient Silk Road, reinforced by 32 years of cooperation after the establishment of diplomatic relations, and have reached the high level of a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.
Xi reiterated that no matter how the international situation changes, China will remain steadfast in its commitment to the China-Kazakhstan friendship, in its resolve to advance cooperation across the board, in its determination to continue mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests, and in its confidence in both countries realizing their development goals.
China and Kazakhstan are both at a critical stage of development and revitalization, Xi said, calling on the two sides to enhance the alignment of their development strategies and exchanges of governance experience, and implement more mutually beneficial cooperation projects to boost the development of their respective countries.
The Chinese side is ready to work with Kazakhstan on boosting economic and trade cooperation, and set a new goal of doubling two-way trade at an early date, he said.
He pledged that China will further expand imports of high-quality Kazakh goods and create new growth drivers for cooperation in e-commerce and digital economy, calling on the two sides to increase the scale of cooperation in production capacity investment, tap the potential of cooperation in scientific and technological innovation, and expand cooperation in electric vehicles, new energy, cross-border e-commerce and satellite communications.
China is willing to work with Kazakhstan to actively promote the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and build a multi-dimensional connectivity paradigm, Xi said.
He also said that China supports the holding of China tourism year in Kazakhstan in 2025, and has decided to open a second Luban Workshop in the Central Asian country.
Noting that at the airport after arrival, he was moved to hear a group of Kazakh teenagers sing “Ode to the Motherland” in standard and fluent Chinese, Xi said young people are the inheritors of China-Kazakhstan friendship from generation to generation.
He urged the two countries to give full play to the role of the culture centers and the Kazakhstan Branch of Beijing Language and Culture University to strengthen cultural exchanges, enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples, especially the young generation, and strengthen public support for all-round cooperation between the two countries.
China, Xi noted, will assume the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) following Kazakhstan, saying that the Chinese side stands ready to jointly build an even closer SCO community with a shared future with the SCO member states including Kazakhstan.
Xi noted that China supports Kazakhstan in hosting the second China-Central Asia Summit next year and is ready to work with relevant parties including Kazakhstan to make the China-Central Asia mechanism better and stronger, and to promote the China-Central Asia cooperation to achieve more new results.
China is willing to work closely with Kazakhstan within the framework of the United Nations and other multilateral frameworks, practice genuine multilateralism and safeguard the common interests of the two countries and other developing countries, Xi added.
For Tokayev, he said Xi’s visit to Kazakhstan once again proves that both sides attach great importance to and strongly hope for further enhancement of the permanent comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
Kazakhstan and China, he said, enjoy a solid friendship spanning thousands of years and fruitful cooperation in various fields, adding that in recent years in particular, bilateral ties have entered a new “golden era,” with smooth progress in major cooperation projects and positive results in agriculture, green energy, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, contributing to the well-being of the two peoples.
Tokayev said his country is a reliable friend and partner of China, adding that it is an unswerving strategic priority for Kazakhstan to deepen friendly and strategic cooperation with China.
Speaking highly of China’s diplomatic concept of peace, a series of global initiatives put forward by Xi and China’s important contribution to promoting world peace and development, Tokayev said the Kazakh side is willing to work with China to promote the building of a Kazakhstan-China community with a shared future as well as a community with a shared future for mankind.
Tokayev stressed that Kazakhstan looks forward to working with China to earnestly implement the important outcomes of Xi’s visit, continuing to jointly promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, making every effort to achieve the goal of doubling bilateral trade, strengthening cooperation in agriculture, economy and trade, new energy, cross-border e-commerce and electric vehicles, and advancing the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.
Kazakhstan welcomes the establishment of culture centers in their respective country and Luban Workshop, said Tokayev said. He called for ensuring the China tourism year in 2025 a success, so as to keep closer bilateral sub-national cooperation as well as people-to-people exchanges in education, culture and other fields.
Kazakhstan will continue to actively participate in building the China-Central Asia mechanism, and closely coordinate with China within multilateral frameworks such as the SCO and the United Nations, Tokayev added.
Following the talks, the two heads of state signed the joint statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Kazakhstan, and witnessed the exchange of dozens of bilateral cooperation documents in the fields of economy and trade, connectivity, aviation and aerospace, education and media.
Prior to their meeting, Kazakh fighter jets painted the sky with colored smoke trails to welcome the Chinese president. A group of six jets, while flying over the presidential palace, left behind them colored smoke trails of red and yellow, colors of the Chinese national flag.
Kanyabayonga, located in the Lubero territory of North Kivu province, was seized on the afternoon of June 28, 2024, following nearly a month of fighting between M23 fighters and the Congolese army on its outskirts.
After capturing Kanyabayonga, M23 fighters drove the Congolese army out of their positions in Kirumba, forcing them to retreat towards Butembo, considered the second wealthiest city in North Kivu after Goma.
On the evening of June 29, President Tshisekedi held an urgent military meeting to discuss how the government could reclaim Kanyabayonga and other areas taken by M23. Following the meeting, the President assured the public that he would take all necessary measures to remove these fighters from the occupied areas.
Prince Epenge, the spokesperson for LAMUKA, stated that Tshisekedi must clarify his plans to reclaim the territories controlled by M23 and to prevent the group from capturing additional areas.
Epenge said, “The LAMUKA coalition demands Mr. Tshisekedi provide an explanation to inform us about what he is doing in the east and what he plans to do to ensure that such incidents do not recur.”
Epenge further mentioned that the DRC government has a responsibility to ensure the safety of its citizens so they can engage in livelihood and development activities without being hindered by armed groups, including the ADF from Uganda and the FDLR opposing the Rwandan government.
“The people want to go to their fields, but they need assurance that they won’t be beheaded or killed by the ADF and FDLR,” he stated.
Kanyabayonga is a crucial area as it serves as a commercial hub in North Kivu province. It joins other regions captured by M23, including the city of Bunagana and the Rubaya area, which is rich in Coltan, a valuable mineral.
Addressing RPF Inkotanyi supporters at Mbonwa Site in Karongi District, the incumbent President said that Rwandans should seize their opportunities and participate in the nation’s development.
He cited Lake Kivu and the beautiful mountains in Karongi District, Rutsiro, and others that span the border, stating, “Lake Kivu, and these beautiful mountains surrounding Rwanda, we must utilize them. […] We must be healthy to see how we can build upon what we have together.”
Regarding Rwanda’s stable security, Kagame reminded residents that it was achieved through the participation of all Rwandans, emphasizing that the country’s development hinges on this stability.
The chairman of RPF Inkotanyi led the struggle of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) to liberate Rwanda from October 1990 to July 1994.
He explained that in 1996 he arrived in the Western (Karongi) and found that there was one part of Rwandans who were in DRC while the other part were in Rwanda. He informed the Congolese government that he wanted them to return home, and this was achieved, leaving only a few who sought to disrupt security.
He said, “I remember, it’s been a long time, I think it was in 1996. When I came here, I found that one part of Rwandans is here, and the other is across the water in Congo. Then I told them that those Rwandans who were on the other side, we want them to return. Many of them came home, a few wanted to cause problems and stayed there, and some of them may still be there or went somewhere else.”
Kagame announced that the Rwandans still in the DRC would be fine and that Rwanda would welcome them, settle them like Rwandans, and build the country.
The RPF candidate told the residents that after achieving security, the next step was building national institutions and effective administration based on the principles of the community and the new Rwanda.
He said, “Furthermore, beginning with security means constructing institutional leadership and effective governance that lead well, adhering to the principles of the RPF and those of the new Rwanda, with the RPF and its partners advancing Rwanda further. Leading well entails ensuring that Rwandan citizens receive what they deserve and can witness it. Good governance excludes leaders who appropriate public resources for personal gain. What we oppose, you too should oppose and reject.”
He informed the people that by voting for him on July 15, 2024, they would be choosing to continue the journey of nation-building.
Despite the First Amendment’s prohibition on government entities favoring one religion over others, Walters defended his decision by citing a state law about historical documents. He emphasized that the Bible holds significant importance to the foundation of America, according to Tulsa CBS affiliate KOTV.
“The Bible is a crucial historical and cultural reference point,” Walters stated. “Without a basic understanding of it, Oklahoma students cannot fully grasp the foundation of our nation. This is why Oklahoma educational standards include its instruction. This directive is not just about education; it is vital for ensuring our students understand the core values and historical context of our country.”
In his memo, Walters instructed teachers to include the Bible in lessons for certain grade levels, specifically mentioning grades 5 through 12.
This directive was issued just 10 days after Louisiana became the first state to require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom. The ACLU is currently challenging this rule in court.
HuffPost contacted the Oklahoma Board of Education to ask if other religious historical documents will also be required in classes, but did not receive an immediate response.
Following the memo’s release, Walters addressed the backlash, stating, “The left is upset, but one cannot rewrite history.”
Upon arriving at Kamarampaka Stadium, the incumbent President Kagame was greeted with a joyful atmosphere and songs from a crowd of Rusizi residents and neighbouring districts.
Kagame expressed his gratitude to the event participants, highlighting that this campaign stage is a significant moment to appreciate the progress made while remembering Rwanda’s history.
He acknowledged that all achievements are due to the patriotism of every citizen who has dedicated themselves to building Rwanda, and that the best has already been accomplished.
“Thanks to our security, no one can find a point of entry to destabilize us!” he declared.
He emphasized that Rwanda’s external enemies cannot penetrate the country and keep their malevolence to themselves.
“All they have left is to wish us harm,” he added.
To help the youth understand their duty and responsibility to preserve this security and the progress already achieved, Kagame referred to Rwanda’s journey from the tragic history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which the RPF’s policies have transformed into current success.
Kagame expressed his confidence that Rwandans will always work to protect Rwanda and its progress.
“Everything that has been achieved is thanks to you; the RPF has worked with you. You are truly Inkotanyi,” he stated.
He added that the journey has been long, much has been accomplished, and the future holds even more progress.
“We will undoubtedly achieve it,” he asserted confidently to his patriotic citizens.
“You, the youth, look at where Rwanda came from and where it is today. You have a dual responsibility to continue building on the gains and to protect them against any threat,” he urged.
“We will protect our security,” the youth shouted again, reassuring Kagame of their strong sense of responsibility for Rwanda’s well-being.
The RPF chairman is running against Frank Habineza, the leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, and Mbayimana Philippe, who is vying for the presidency on an independent ticket.
The campaigns will close on July 13. Approximately 9.5 million people have registered to vote in this year’s parliamentary and presidential elections.
President Xi made these commitments within the context of celebrating the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which were officially initiated seventy years ago. He emphasized the enduring relevance of these principles in today’s world, stating, “The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have transcended time and space and overcome estrangement, showing robust resilience and everlasting relevance.”
The Five Principles—mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence—have played a significant role in shaping international relations.
Xi highlighted their historical impact, noting that they were first specified in the China-India and China-Myanmar joint statements and later endorsed at the Bandung Conference in 1955. Since then, they have been incorporated into important international documents and widely recognized by the global community.
President Xi underscored the importance of these principles in guiding international relations and promoting global peace. He stated, “The Five Principles provide a whole set of basic norms for peaceful coexistence among countries across political, security, economic, and diplomatic domains.”
Xi also addressed the need for continued international cooperation, particularly in the face of contemporary global challenges. He proposed the Vision of Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, which he described as carrying forward the same spirit of the Five Principles. This vision aims to create a world of lasting peace, universal security, and shared prosperity through mutual respect and cooperation.
“The Vision captures the reality that all countries have a shared future and intertwined interests, and sets a new model of equality and coexistence for international relations,” Xi said. He called for all nations to uphold the common values of humanity, promote global governance based on extensive consultation and joint contribution, and foster a new type of international relations.
Looking forward, Xi reiterated China’s commitment to peaceful development and international cooperation. He announced that China will renew its contributions to various global initiatives, including the WTO’s Aid for Trade initiative and the China Program, and continue supporting the Initiative on International Trade and Economic Cooperation Framework for Digital Economy and Green Development. By 2030, China’s imports from fellow developing countries is expected to exceed $8 trillion.
To further support Global South cooperation, Xi revealed that China will make an additional contribution equivalent to $10 million to support agricultural development. He stated, “China’s resolve to stay on the path of peaceful development will not change. We will never take the trodden path of colonial plundering, or the wrong path of seeking hegemony when one becomes strong.”
Majors Corneille Ntaganira and Jean de Dieu Nkubiri were honored during a graduation ceremony. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Brigadier General Andrew Nyamvumba, the Commandant of the RDF Command and Staff College (RDFCSC), Rwanda’s Defence Attaché to Uganda Colonel Emmanuel Ruzindana, and Lieutenant Colonel B. Mpamira, a Directing Staff (DS) member at RDFCSC. The graduation marked a significant achievement for the officers, reflecting the strong military cooperation between Rwanda and Uganda.
Biden, 81, faced significant scrutiny over concerns about his age and cognitive sharpness. Throughout the 90-minute debate, these concerns were evident as he struggled with clarity and energy, particularly in his opening remarks. His hoarse voice and occasional stumbling over responses underscored the challenges his campaign must address to reassure voters.
One notable moment occurred when Biden, attempting to address rising costs, mistakenly said, “We finally beat Medicare,” a gaffe quickly seized upon by the Trump campaign. Despite these early stumbles, Biden found his stride when discussing foreign policy, particularly in defending NATO and condemning Trump’s actions on January 6, 2021. He also passionately refuted Trump’s claims about abortion policy, asserting his commitment to restoring Roe v. Wade.
Trump’s Focus on Grievances
Trump, 78, leaned heavily into his long-standing grievances, often at the expense of directly addressing policy questions. When pressed on issues such as his actions on January 6 and his felony conviction, Trump diverted to criticize the investigation and attack his opponents. His repeated false claims about the 2020 election and accusations of a rigged justice system highlighted his focus on retribution and grievance politics.
Trump’s stance on abortion, immigration, and taxes remained consistent with his previous positions. He praised the Supreme Court justices he appointed for overturning Roe v. Wade and criticized Biden’s immigration policies. On taxes, Trump called for extending the 2017 tax cuts, while Biden countered by promising to raise taxes on the wealthy.
Key Debate Highlights
The debate featured intense clashes over policy and personal attacks. Biden’s sharpest moments came when he delivered prepared one-liners, calling Trump a liar and a felon. He attacked Trump’s record on immigration and defended his own policy achievements. Conversely, Trump emphasized the failures he attributes to Biden’s administration, painting a bleak picture of the current state of the country and promising a return to greatness under his leadership.
In summary, the debate underscored the stark contrasts between Biden and Trump. Biden’s performance revealed the challenges his campaign faces in addressing voter concerns about his age and vitality, while Trump’s focus on grievances and deflection highlighted his contentious approach. As the election year progresses, both candidates will need to refine their strategies to address these vulnerabilities and appeal to a divided electorate.
