Conservative Giants Shapps and Chalk Fall as Labour Surges

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and Justice Secretary Alex Chalk lost their seats in the UK general election, predicting a disastrous outcome for the Conservative Party. Shapps highlighted internal divisions as a key reason for their loss, emphasizing the importance of party unity to secure voter support.


PTI | London | Updated: 05-07-2024 10:26 IST | Created: 05-07-2024 10:26 IST
Conservative Giants Shapps and Chalk Fall as Labour Surges
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  • United Kingdom

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and Justice Secretary Alex Chalk early on Friday became the first senior Conservative leaders in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Cabinet to lose their seats in the UK general election, signaling a catastrophic night for the Conservative Party.

Shapps lost to Labour in Welwyn Hatfield while Chalk was defeated in Cheltenham by Liberal Democrat candidate Max Wilkinson. Shapps, who has held five Cabinet positions, blamed Conservative "indulgence" for their defeat, stressing that voters punish divided parties.

According to exit polls, Labour could win up to 410 seats, heralding a significant majority and signaling the end of Sunak's Premiership. Traditional Conservative voters have become frustrated with internal party divisions, leading to a dramatic shift in the political landscape.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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