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.

Britain’s Labour Party secured a parliamentary election victory on Friday, ending 14 years of Conservative Party governance. This period was marked by significant political turbulence and transformation.

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

2010 Election Results in a Hung Parliament

• Historical Context: The 2010 election resulted in a hung parliament, the first since 1945.
• Outcome: David Cameron’s Conservative Party won the most seats but lacked an overall majority, leading to a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats.

2014 Scottish Referendum

• Historical Context: The referendum was a critical moment for the unity of the United Kingdom.
• Outcome: Scotland voted 55%-45% against independence, a victory for Cameron and the main national political parties over the Scottish National Party.

2015 Surprise Conservative Election Victory

• Historical Context: Despite polls predicting a close race, Cameron secured an unexpected majority.
• Outcome: Cameron pledged a referendum on EU membership, advocating for the UK to remain in the EU.

2016: UK Votes for Brexit, Cameron Resigns

• Historical Context: The Brexit vote was a seismic event, ending over 40 years of EU membership.
• Outcome: The UK voted 52%-48% to leave the EU, leading to Cameron’s resignation and Theresa May’s succession.

2017 Snap Election Gamble Backfires

• Historical Context: May sought a stronger mandate to negotiate Brexit.
• Outcome: The Conservatives lost their majority and formed a government with Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party.

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

• Historical Context: May’s inability to resolve Brexit led to her resignation.
• Outcome: Boris Johnson, a prominent Brexit advocate, succeeded her.

Dec 2019: Johnson Leads Conservatives to Sweeping Win

• Historical Context: Johnson’s “Get Brexit Done” campaign resonated with voters.
• Outcome: The Conservatives achieved their largest victory since Margaret Thatcher’s 1987 landslide.

2020 Brexit Gets Done

• Historical Context: The UK formally exited the EU on January 31, 2020.
• Outcome: Johnson successfully pushed a Brexit deal through parliament and Brussels.

July 2022: Johnson Ousted

• Historical Context: Johnson’s tenure was marred by scandals and the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Outcome: He stepped down following a ministerial revolt.

Sept 2022: Truss’ Chaotic Premiership

• Historical Context: Liz Truss’ brief tenure was marked by economic instability.
• Outcome: Her “mini-budget” caused financial turmoil, leading to her resignation after just 44 days.

Oct 2022: Sunak Becomes Prime Minister

• Historical Context: Rishi Sunak became the third prime minister in three months.
• Outcome: Sunak pledged to restore stability and made key commitments on the economy, immigration, and healthcare.

May 2024: Sunak Calls Election

• Historical Context: Facing a significant polling deficit, Sunak called an election.
• Outcome: Labour, led by Keir Starmer, won the election.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• 2010: Hung parliament leads to Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition.
• 2014: Scotland votes against independence.
• 2015: Conservatives win majority; Cameron promises EU referendum.
• 2016: UK votes for Brexit; Cameron resigns; May becomes PM.
• 2017: May’s snap election gamble fails; Conservatives lose majority.
• 2019: May resigns; Johnson becomes PM; Conservatives win big in December election.
• 2020: UK exits EU on January 31.
• 2022: Johnson resigns; Truss’ brief and chaotic premiership; Sunak becomes PM.
• 2024: Labour wins election under Keir Starmer.

This summary provides a concise overview of the key events during the Conservative Party’s rule, offering valuable context for students preparing for competitive exams.