EB / News / Policy / Labour beats Conservatives in landslide victory
Labour beats Conservatives in landslide victory
EB News: 05/07/2024 - 10:22
The Labour Party have won the general election, with Kier Starmer to take the role of prime minister from Rishi Sunak.
This is the biggest loss the Conservatives have ever faced in their history.
Keir Starmer has pledged to “repair our public services” under a “mission of national renewal to start to rebuild our country."
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said: “Today’s election result represents an important moment not just for the country, but also for schools and school leaders. A change of government means a fresh start and new opportunities.
“School leaders have been clear about the scale of the crisis facing education and the new government will have a range of pressing priorities as it assumes power. More than anything, I call on this new government to restore education as a national priority.
In NAHT's manifesto, he said the union “identified a range of crises" that any incoming government would need to address.
"These include the current state of SEND provision, the major challenges with recruitment and retention and the dilapidated state of school buildings," he said.
Whiteman added that there is also an urgent need to address the broken accountability system and an ongoing funding crisis.
Meanwhile, former education secretary Gillian Keegan has lost her seat in Parliament.
The Liberal Democrats defeated the Conservative politician in Chichester by 25,540 votes to Keegan’s 13,368.
The government has been urged to ensure every school can meet the needs of children and young people with acquired brain injury (ABI), following the publication of the government’s consultation on SEND reform.
Measures mean schools stocking life-saving allergy pens, compulsory training for teachers, and a requirement for each school to have a dedicated allergy policy.
A poll from the DfE's Teaching Vacancies service has shown that school culture and values (66%) are the single biggest factor teachers consider when choosing their next role - ahead of location (55%) and pay (47%).
One hundred schools and colleges have now installed their Great British Energy-funded solar panels, with 250 schools due to have their installations completed by summer.
The shortlist for the 2026 Education Business Awards has been unveiled, shining a spotlight on the outstanding achievements and dedication of schools and academies across the UK.