Labour’s landslide UK election victory announced on Friday was overshadowed by a significant loss of support from its core Muslim voter base. Several pro-Palestine independent candidates were elected in areas with large Muslim populations, indicating a shift in Muslim voting patterns.
Labour MP Zarah Sultana admitted that the party had lost support due to its position on Gaza. The new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has faced criticism for his delayed response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, despite later calling for a ceasefire.
In seats with a high Muslim population, Labour’s vote share decreased by 23 percent. The “Muslim Vote” campaign supported independent candidates aligned with Muslim interests, leading to defeats for prominent Labour figures like Jonathan Ashworth.
Despite the success of pro-Palestine candidates like Jeremy Corbyn, political analysts believe the Muslim voters’ defection from Labour may not result in a long-term realignment. Some voters turned to the Green Party due to its early support for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The election results signal a growing dissatisfaction among Muslim voters, with many expressing a sense of betrayal reminiscent of the aftermath of the Iraq War.