Don't let us down, Keir

BRITAIN FEELS VERY DIFFERENT TO WHEN LABOUR SECURED A LANDSLIDE IN 1997, BUT THE PARTY MUST MAKE POSITIVE CHANGE SOON

- JOSEPH TIMAN & CHRIS OSUH

A NEW era has begun. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is the country’s new Prime Minister, after a general election in which the Conservative party was subjected to one of its worst-ever defeats.

After 14 years in opposition, the Labour party has swept into power with a majority just shy of what Tony Blair achieved in 1997.

But things feel very different this time. When Tony Blair first set foot in Downing Street there was an overwhelming sense of optimism.

Back then, the new government inherited an economy on the up and a nation less divided. Things could only get better - and change came quickly.

This time around there is no D:Ream, none of the carefree swagger of Cool Britannia.

The chalice, now, is more poisoned than it was 27 years ago.

Political instability, hard economic times and a changing world have left too many feeling left behind, ignored and bewildered.

People are hungry for change. Voters all over Greater Man

chester told us so when we spoke to them, in huge numbers, in all 27 constituencies in our region, in the six-week run-up to this historic election.

Many people have put their trust in Sir Keir’s Labour party to deliver that change. But, up and down the country, many have not. Indeed, in many places, trust in the two main parties is in short supply.

Reform UK has seen a surge in support, winning five seats, including one for party leader Nigel Farage in his eighth effort to win a seat at Westminster.

In Greater Manchester alone, 190,000 people voted for Reform UK. In fact, the party came second in 14 of our 27 constituencies, pushing the Conservatives into third place.