In what media in the United Kingdom have described as a “landslide victory”, the Labour Party (Social Democrats) won the general election by the largest margin since 1997.

Rishi Sunak, the Conservative prime minister, admitted his defeat in a context in which citizens suffer the consequences of lack of housing, rising energy prices, and a profound crisis of key public services such as the National Health System.

The scandals during the Covid-19 crisis surrounding former government leader Boris Johnson and the economic consequences of Brexit are also listed as reasons of the historic loss of support for the ‘tories’, which has been in power for 14 years.

After his victory was confirmed, Keir Starmer said he would work for “national renewal” and to “rebuild this country”. His party won 412 of the 650 seats in the House of Commons in the Westminster Parliament. His “super-majority” will give his party free hands to implement policies without much opposition.

“Praying Psalm 72 for Keir Starmer”

In a reaction on the morning after election day, the CEO of the Evangelical Alliance United Kingdom (EAUK), Gavin Calver, said he is “praying for Sir Keir Starmer and his incoming government following the Labour Party’s success in the general election. The scale of the victory represents a significant change for UK politics but also comes with a significant burden of responsibility”.

“I’m praying the words of Psalm 72 that, God will give him wisdom and a heart for justice, that he will stand up for the poor and for children in need”, Calver added.

What UK evangelicals voted

The EAUK is an entity representing thousands of evangelical churches and organisations since 1846. Its aim is to unite believers for mission and give them a voice in society.

In a report published ahead of the election, the EAUK found that freedom of speech, bioethical issues, religious freedom and doing justice to the poorest were all among the top priorities of evangelical Christians in the UK.

The study included a survey among 1,600 evangelicals which showed that 42% of respondents planned to vote for the Labour Party, and 29% for the Conservatives.

A willingness to “work with the government”

As the UK changes its government, the Evangelical Alliance United Kingdom will seek to “work with the government on restoring hope in our society, strengthening social cohesion and honouring the dignity and value of every human being”, they said. “Our faith is a vital component of what makes a difference and helps transform lives across the UK”.

“We look forward to working closely with the new minister responsible for faith groups and encourage the prime minister to appoint a special envoy for international freedom of religion or belief as soon as possible”, the statement added.

This evangelical body in the UK said “there will be points in the years ahead where we will disagree with the government's direction and will challenge policies and decisions. Any moves that disempower and harm the most vulnerable in society will be met with a robust response from the evangelical Christians across the UK”.

The Alliance encourages the new government to “meet with evangelical churches and national organisations to understand the vast contribution we are already making every day for those in greatest need”.