KATHMANDU: On the final day of campaigning before Britain's national election, Keir Starmer of the Labour Party and Rishi Sunak of the Conservative Party exchanged harsh words, warning voters of catastrophic economic repercussions if the other won. Opinion polls indicate that Labour is on track for a huge win after 14 years of Conservative control, perhaps sending Starmer into the Prime Minister's office at 10 Downing Street.
The promise of 'Change' has been central to Labour's campaign, tapping on broad unhappiness with stretched public services and falling living standards in the midst of economic sluggishness and political uncertainty. Campaign coordinator Pat McFadden stressed the dangers of continuing the status quo under the Conservatives or diverting votes to minor parties, suggesting that this may result in another term for Rishi Sunak.
In contrast, Sunak has campaigned on his record of steering the economy through post-COVID-19 recovery and geopolitical challenges like the war in Ukraine. He portrays himself as having stabilized the economy after years of Conservative-led turmoil and argues that Starmer's agenda for change would necessitate tax increases.
Despite Labour maintaining a substantial lead in opinion polls, the Conservatives have shifted their strategy from aiming for victory to mitigating the scale of their potential defeat. They warned that a large Labour victory would empower Starmer to implement what they deem as extreme policies and impose more tax hikes on the British populace.
