Oh, what a night. Not only did Boris Johnson and the Conservatives retain their majority in Parliament in Thursday night's British elections, but they did it in historic fashion.
Just ask CNN International.
If the UK exit poll is correct, this election will be:
— CNN International (@cnni) December 13, 2019
--The best Conservative result since Margaret Thatcher in 1987
--The worst Labour result in more than 40 years https://t.co/SOSZrSc6cZ
The Conservatives managed to pick up 47 seats last night. As it stands, the Conservatives have 364 members of Parliament, Labour has 203, the Scottish National Party has 48, the Liberal Democrats have 11, and the Democratic Unionist Party has eight. The Brexit Party, which was recently formed by former Brexit leader Nigel Farage, did not pick up any seats.
In sum, Johnson has his mandate to take the UK out of the European Union. Brits voted to leave the EU back in June 2016, but three years of lackluster negotiations in Brussels from former prime minister Theresa May and arguments in Parliament have stalled their exit plans.
"I will put an end to all that nonsense," Johnson pledged in his victory speech Friday morning. "And we will get Brexit done in time, on the 31st of January. No ifs, no buts, no maybes."
Thank you to everyone across our great country who voted, who volunteered, who stood as candidates. We live in the greatest democracy in the world. pic.twitter.com/1MuEMXqWHq
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) December 12, 2019
Johnson also appealed to former Labour voters who decided to put their trust in him. He promised to "never" take their support for granted.
Speaking of Labour, they also made their mark on history last evening, pulling off the worst election result for their party since 1935.
In terms of seats won, this is Labour's worst performance at a general election since 1935. pic.twitter.com/wbrSMcrKMi
— C4 News FactCheck (@FactCheck) December 13, 2019
Some Labour voters decided to defect and give Johnson a chance, because they have become disenchanted with Jeremy Corbyn, Labour's very unpopular, far-left, socialist leader.
Sorry @daneacross this is one mans fault. His campaign, his manifesto, his leadership. @jeremycorbyn https://t.co/Oo23Ai1uqu
— Siobhain McDonagh (@Siobhain_Mc) December 12, 2019
Other leaders and supporters called on Corbyn to resign. He agreed.
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