As the clock struck midnight on July 4, Big Ben’s chimes heralded the end of an era and the dawn of a new one. Rishi Sunak’s tenure as the first Indian-origin prime minister came to a dramatic close, making way for Keir Starmer’s Labour Party to take the reins of British politics. This election, akin to Tony Blair’s transformative win in 1997 signifies a monumental shift in the UK’s political landscape, setting the stage for a tantalising chapter in British history.
Labour’s victory is nothing short of a political earthquake. After 14 years of Conservative rule, the British electorate decisively turned to Keir Starmer, a man whose campaign was marked by disciplined strategy and promises of moderate, steady leadership.
The Sunak government, plagued by internal strife and a slew of controversies, crumbled under the weight of public demand for change. Starmer’s brand of cautious optimism, promising to tread lightly on citizens’ lives, found favour with a populace exhausted by the turmoil of recent years.
Starmer’s rise to power signals a dramatic shift in the UK’s political climate. Born in London and raised in Surrey, Starmer attended the University of Leeds and later studied at Oxford. His career as a barrister, focusing on human rights and criminal defence, paved the way for his role as director of public prosecutions, where he handled high-profile murder trials.
First elected as an MP in 2015 from the Central London seat of Holborn, he soon rose to prominence as then Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s shadow minister for immigration. Following Corbyn’s resignation after Labour’s defeat at the 2019 general election, Starmer succeeded him as party leader by winning the 2020 leadership election on a Left-wing platform and has since then repositioned the party towards the political centre, emphasising pragmatism, social justice, economic equality, and eliminating antisemitism within the party.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer with King Charles. Photo: X (Twitter)/@RoyalFamily
While his critics argue that he may be too cautious, the promise of balanced and inclusive policy-making has resonated deeply with the electorate. Starmer’s cautious optimism is like a carefully brewed cup of Earl Grey – soothing, steady, and exactly what the doctor ordered after years of political hangovers.
The election also saw a significant rise in support for the Liberal Democrats and the far-right wing Reform UK party. The Liberal Democrats capitalised on their centrist policies, drawing voters dissatisfied with both major parties. Meanwhile, the far-right Reform UK gained traction among voters frustrated with immigration policies and economic challenges. This shift in voter allegiance contributed to the Conservative Party’s downfall, highlighting deep divisions and discontent within the electorate.
For the Indian community in the UK, this election carries a special resonance. Historically, the Indian diaspora, numbering over 1.5 million, has supported Labour, drawn by its inclusive policies and championing of immigrant communities. Yet, Sunak’s rise to the highest office brought a unique sense of pride and representation, a moment of historic significance for Indians in the UK.
Also read: Five Key Takeaways from the UK Elections and Implications for India
His tenure, albeit brief, was a landmark event, and the election results have left the community divided – torn between their traditional support for Labour and the symbolic victory of having one of their own at the helm. For many Indians in the UK, this election was like choosing between butter chicken, and fish and chips. Both delicious, but representing very different cravings.
Implications for India
The political drama in the UK mirrors the tumultuous landscape of Indian politics. While Rishi Sunak and Narendra Modi share a strong leadership style, both emphasising economic reforms and national pride, Keir Starmer and Rahul Gandhi represent contrasting visions of governance. Both advocate for social justice and economic equality but face significant challenges in overcoming perceptions of indecision and building a cohesive narrative to galvanise support. However, unlike Starmer, who now has the mandate to lead, Gandhi’s road to power still seems distant.
As the election results now declared, the future of India-UK relations looks promising but also faces significant challenges. Bilateral trade between the two nations, currently valued at over £24 billion, stands to benefit from renewed negotiations under a Labour government.
Starmer’s administration is likely to bring fresh dynamics to the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, focusing on sustainable development and inclusive growth – areas where both nations have significant mutual interests.
However, Starmer will need to address critical issues such as visa regulations, student exchange programmes, and job opportunities for Indian professionals in the UK. These areas have been points of contention and require careful negotiation to ensure mutual benefit and continued partnership.
Cultural and educational ties, deeply rooted in historical connections, are expected to strengthen further under Labour’s inclusive policies. The challenge will be to balance increased defence spending commitments with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and social equity, aligning with India’s goals in these areas. Starmer’s commitment to national security and a robust defence policy must also be managed alongside economic and diplomatic priorities, ensuring a comprehensive approach to bilateral relations.
As Big Ben ushers in this new era, the echoes of change resonate far beyond the UK. For the Indian diaspora, this election is a blend of nostalgia and new beginnings, reflecting their complex political loyalties. The parallels with India’s own political landscape offer a rich tapestry of insights and implications, as both nations navigate their paths forward. The political scene now resembles a game of cricket: with Sunak’s wicket down, Starmer steps up to bat, and the crowd watches eagerly for the next big hit. The political clock has reset, and the world watches with bated breath as this new era unfolds, filled with promise and potential.
Dharminder Singh Kaleka is pursuing a postgraduate programme in Public Policy at the London School of Economics. He is co-founder of MovDek Politico LLP, a political risk and public affairs strategy consulting firm.
