UK General Elections 2024: Keir Starmer tells voters today 'we can begin a new chapter'

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer on Thursday (Jul 4) told the voters that it is the day to start a new chapter in the United Kingdom's political history as voting began across the nation for a parliamentary election. 

Starmer and his wife Victoria Starmer arrived at the polling station with smiles on their faces as it was predicted that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservatives would be overthrown by the Labour Party.  

Also read: UK Elections: Rishi Sunak says he is ‘fighting hard for every vote’ 

The first national ballot since Boris Johnson won the Tories a decisive victory in 2019 follows Sunak's surprise call to hold it six months earlier than required. 

Opinion polls have predicted a landslide victory for Starmer's centre-left party - the first general election win since 2005 by historic proportions, marking the Labour Party's one of the most sensational political comebacks ever. 

Also read: UK General Elections: 46.5 mn voters to decide Rishi Sunak's fate 

However, the polls have suggested an anti-incumbency factor as many people want to change the government after nearly eight years of infighting and turmoil under the Conservatives that produced five prime ministers in as many years. 

Starmer issued an election message addressed to the nation in which he said, "Britain's future is on the ballot. Today, vote to turn the page on the last 14 years." 

The Labour Party leader appealed to people to put their trust in him. Starmer said, "Vote for a changed Labour Party that is now ready to serve and change Britain." 

He added: "Britain's future is on the ballot. Change will only happen if you vote for it." 

"Today, Britain can begin a new chapter. A new age of hope and opportunity after 14 years of chaos and decline. This is a great nation, with boundless potential. The British people deserve a government that matches their ambition. Today is the chance to begin the work of rebuilding Britain with Labour," Starmer added. 

Watch: UK Elections 2024: Will Labour surpass conservatives this time?

Starmer's campaign focused on the single word "Change". He appealed to people's resentment of the overburdened public services and declining standard of living. He has often stated that he will not be able to make any quick fixes, and his party has been courting foreign investment to assist in addressing the problems. 

However, he said that he would get on with the job from day one if he won and promised to revive the economy. He vowed to put 6,500 more teachers in schools and bring down NHS waiting lists. 

(With inputs from agencies)