Labour Party Ends Conservative Era: Key Moments of Conservative Rule in the UK

The Conservative Party has navigated the UK through one of its most challenging political periods since World War Two. The Labour Party’s recent victory in the parliamentary election marks the end of 14 years of Conservative governance, a period characterized by significant political upheaval and transformation.

Here are the key moments from the Conservative Party’s four terms in power, under five different prime ministers, since 2010:

2010 Election Results in Hung Parliament

• David Cameron’s Conservative Party wins the most seats but falls short of a majority, ending Labour’s 13-year rule.
• The UK forms its first coalition government since 1945, with the Conservatives partnering with the Liberal Democrats.

2014 Scottish Referendum

• Scotland votes 55%-45% against independence, maintaining the United Kingdom’s unity.
• This referendum was a significant victory for Cameron and the main national political parties over the Scottish National Party.

2015 Surprise Conservative Election Victory

• Despite predictions of a close race, Cameron secures an unexpected majority and a second term.
• Cameron commits to a referendum on EU membership, advocating for the UK to remain in the EU.

2016: UK Votes for Brexit, Cameron Resigns

• The UK votes 52%-48% to leave the EU, causing a global shock and plunging the country into a major political crisis.
• Cameron resigns, and Theresa May is chosen as his successor.

2017 Snap Election Gamble Backfires

• May calls a snap election to strengthen her mandate for Brexit negotiations but loses the Conservative majority.
• The Conservatives form a government with the Democratic Unionist Party from Northern Ireland.

May 2019: Brexit Paralysis, May Resigns, Johnson Takes Over

• May resigns after failing to resolve the Brexit deadlock.
• Boris Johnson, a prominent pro-Brexit figure, wins the Conservative leadership contest.

Dec 2019: Johnson Leads Conservatives to Sweeping Win

• Johnson calls a snap election with the slogan “Get Brexit Done,” leading the Conservatives to their largest victory since 1987.

2020 Brexit Gets Done

• Johnson successfully drives a Brexit deal through parliament, and the UK exits the EU on January 31, 2020.

July 2022: Johnson Ousted

• Johnson’s tenure during the COVID-19 pandemic is marred by scandals, leading to his resignation after a ministerial revolt.

Sept 2022: Truss’ Chaotic Premiership

• Liz Truss wins the leadership contest but her “mini-budget” causes financial turmoil, leading to her resignation after just 44 days.

Oct 2022: Sunak Becomes Prime Minister

• Rishi Sunak takes over, pledging to restore stability. He focuses on economic recovery, stopping illegal immigration, and improving the health system.
• In February 2023, Sunak strikes a deal with the EU on Northern Ireland trade rules, improving relations with the bloc.

May 2024: Sunak Calls Election

• Facing a significant polling deficit, Sunak calls an election for July 4.
• Labour, led by Keir Starmer, wins the election, ending the Conservative era.

Summary:

• 2010: Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition formed.
• 2014: Scotland votes against independence.
• 2015: Conservatives win a surprise majority.
• 2016: UK votes for Brexit; Cameron resigns.
• 2017: May’s snap election backfires.
• 2019: Johnson becomes PM, wins a landslide election.
• 2020: Brexit is finalized.
• 2022: Johnson resigns; Truss’ brief premiership; Sunak becomes PM.
• 2024: Labour wins the election, ending Conservative rule.