Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledges to prove country right in giving Conservatives a big majority
Boris Johnson has pledged to repay the “sacred trust” put in him and the Conservatives as he was swept back into No 10.
The Tories delivered a crushing blow to Labour, securing a House of Commons majority of 80.
The Conservatives secured 365 MPs, with Labour on 203, the SNP on 48, the Liberal Democrats on 11.
The DUP now have eight MPs, Sinn Fein have seven and Plaid Cymru have four. The SDLP won two seats, while The Green Party and Alliance Party have one each.
The Brexit Party failed to secure a single seat.
In his victory speech, Prime Minister Johnson said: “I will make it my mission to work night and day, flat out, to prove you right in voting for me this time.”
He acknowledged that politicians have “squandered” the last three and a half years arguing about Brexit and even squabbling about the tone of arguments. He pledged to “put an end to all that nonsense”.
And he promised: “We will get Brexit done on time by the 31st of January - no ifs, no buts, no maybes.”
He also said he would lead a “people’s government” serving everyone.
“You may intend to return to Labour next time round, and if that is the case, I am humbled that you have put your trust in me, and I, and we, will never take your support for granted," he said.
He said the NHS was the “one-nation Conservative government’s top priority”, promising 50,000 new nurses, 50 million more GP appointments, 40 new hospitals - which is due to include a new Addenbrooke’s. Enshrined in law, there will be an NHS budget boost amounting to £650million extra every week he said.
An immigration points system, more police, and “colossal new investments in infrastructure and science” were also promised by the Prime Minister, who said a “far-reaching” environmental programme would make the nation the “cleanest and greenest” on Earth.
He went on: “You the people of this country voted to be carbon neutral in this election. You voted to be carbon neutral by 2050 and we will do it. You also voted to be Corbyn neutral by Christmas by the way and we will do that too..”
He concluded: “Let’s unite this country. Let’s spread opportunity to every corner of the UK with superb education, superb infrastructure and technology. Let’s get Brexit done. But first, my friends, let’s get breakfast done too.”
Jeremy Corbyn said he would not lead Labour into another General Election, but will lead the party as it reflects on the defeat. The Tories inflicted heavy blows in traditional Labour heartlands in the Midlands and across the north-east.
Jo Swinson has stood down as Liberal Democrat leader after losing her seat in East Dunbartonshire to the SNP.
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