Labour's Rachel Reeves set to become UK's first female chancellor

In a surprising turn of events, Labour's Rachel Reeves is poised to become the UK's first female chancellor, pending her victory in the Leeds West and Pudsey seat, which is projected with 99% certainty. The Labour party, under Keir Starmer's leadership, secured a landslide victory in the general election with 412 seats compared to the Tories' 121. The Liberal Democrats achieved a record 71 seats, while the SNP, Reform UK, and the Greens secured 9, 5, and 4 seats respectively. Following the Tories' dismal performance in the election, former Conservative party chairman Eric Pickles warned of potential "oblivion" for the party in the next general election. Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced his resignation as Conservative leader, pending the election of his successor. Nigel Farage of Reform UK expressed intentions to target Labour votes moving forward. In response to the election results, discussions between Prime Minister Starmer and President highlighted the significance of the special relationship between the UK and the US. Labour's success in Scotland, winning 36 seats with 35.7% of the vote, surprised many, including the SNP leadership. The appointment of Bridget Phillipson as Education Secretary underscores Labour's commitment to inclusive education policies. The new government's focus on providing opportunities for all citizens was emphasized, with education being a key priority. Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill stressed the importance of resetting British-Irish relations during discussions with Prime Minister Starmer. Overall, the election outcomes have set the stage for significant changes in government leadership and policy direction.