Almost every election these days, it seems, is fought on the premise of ‘change’.
Placards emblazoned with the word surrounded Sir Keir Starmer with every step these last six weeks. A simple message for a public weary of Tory misrule.
The Conservative Party had itself employed the slogan when David Cameron finally ended 13 years of Labour government back in 2010.
Sinn Féin even campaigned at this election on a platform of ‘positive change’, despite having held the reins of power at Stormont for much of the last two decades.
But if the word has been devalued by repetition and under-delivery, it is undoubtedly the case that the general election has brought about sweeping changes to the make-up of the House of Commons.
In Britain, Labour has more than doubled its seats to achieve a majority on a par with Tony Blair’s landslide win in 1997. Aided by the collapse of the SNP in Scotland, the party will no doubt feel vindication for its distinctly underwhelming campaign.
It should be reminded, however, that its share of the overall vote rose only slightly – indeed, the low turnout meant it won fewer votes than under Jeremy Corbyn five years ago – and a volatile electorate may turn its ire just as quickly on the new prime minister.
The hapless Tory party, meanwhile, suffered the most spectacular collapse in its history, losing an astonishing 250 seats, and now faces existential questions about its future.
Former prime minister Liz Truss, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, House of Commons leader Penny Mordaunt and Sir Jacob-Rees Mogg were among the high-profile casualties. The incompetent, unprincipled, inept administration they propped up have caused irreversible damage to the UK’s economy and international reputation.
Closer to home, the results in the north’s 18 constituencies delivered no fewer than seven new MPs during a night of late drama.
The DUP was the big loser, ousted in three seats, with the defeat of Ian Paisley Jnr in North Antrim delivering the biggest shock. Veteran MPs Gregory Campbell and Sammy Wilson were also uncomfortably close to being turfed out.
The onus is now on all those elected to deliver practical solutions that address the myriad of pressing issues facing families
Sinn Féin will be hugely satisfied with its showing. Consolidating its seven existing seats, and putting itself in position to challenge for more, it is now the largest party at local, assembly and Westminster levels and its performance will be a huge fillip after recent election setbacks in the Republic.
However, with such a resounding mandate for ‘change’, the onus is on the party, and all those elected yesterday, to deliver practical solutions that address the myriad of pressing issues facing families, from the cost of living, and the crisis in the health service, to chronic underinvestment in our schools.
To hold the trust of voters is privilege, one that can never be taken lightly. The public will deliver their verdict in five years’ time.
