The result sees Sir Keir Starmer's party sweep hundreds of seats across the country to end 14 years of Conservative rule.

The Labour Party has won a landslide victory in the General Election, sweeping hundreds of seats across the country and ending 14 years of Conservative rule.

The result marks a stunning reversal from the 2019 election when Labour suffered its worst electoral defeat in almost a century.

Sir Keir Starmer is set to be appointed prime minister later today (Friday 5 July), after promising "national renewal" and that he would put "country first, party second".

So after a night of drama, how has the construction industry reacted to the news?

Federation of Master Builders Chief Executive Brian Berry said: “The election of the new Labour Government offers a fresh start to get Britain building. Labour’s pledge to build 1.5 million new houses over the next five years, and upgrade five million existing homes, are ambitious targets but very much needed if the growing housing crisis is to be addressed. The success of Labour’s housing targets will very much depend on two key issues being addressed.

"First, the need to reform the planning system to make it easier and quicker to build. Secondly, the urgent need to tackle the skills crisis ensuring we have enough skilled workers in the construction industry to build the homes needed.

“For too long local authority planning departments have been underfunded with the result that planning applications have been held up. Additional funding for planning departments offers hope that the planning process will speed up to deliver the homes that are needed. A long-term training and skills plan to tackle the shortage of construction workers is desperately needed, as is the need for some form of minimum competency level for builders to ensure quality homes are built, and the ones we have are upgraded to the best standards.”

Berry concluded: “The FMB will work closely with the new Government to help ensure its housing pledges are delivered, and that Britain’s builders can play their part to boost much needed economic growth.”

Rachel Hughes, Marketing Director at Wienerberger UK and Ireland, also outlined what the result means for the housebuilding sector. "As the UK acknowledges Labour's triumph in the General Election, the housing crisis continues to escalate, making Labour's proposed measures both timely and necessary," she said.

"For us at Wienerberger and our customer base across the housing and construction industries, it is imperative that the new Labour government delivers on a clear and actionable plan to accelerate sector growth. Its pledge to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years, starting with immediate housing announcements, signals a proactive stance. Simplifying the planning process and empowering local councils will facilitate more efficient land development, utilising lower quality 'grey belt' without compromising green spaces.

"It is particularly encouraging to see the Labour Government's focus on addressing the skills gap through training programmes and apprenticeships. These initiatives will equip future builders with the modern skills crucial for our industry's growth. At Wienerberger, we are committed to supporting these efforts.

"The Government's commitment to a buyer-friendly market, with affordable mortgage schemes and incentives for first-time and local buyers, should stimulate demand, essential for our industry's vitality. The Government's plans to give local authorities the resources and autonomy to boost housing stock and upgrade ageing properties are also vital for the social housing sector," said Hughes.

"The housebuilding industry welcomes collaboration with the new Government. If Keir Starmer fulfils his manifesto promises, considerable progress can be made in resolving the housing crisis. At Wienerberger, we are ready to support the delivery of the homes that future generations need and deserve. All we require is a willing government partner."

Allan Wright, MD at Civils & Lintels, part of the Huws Gray group of companies, said: “Labour’s win makes it imperative that they now act quickly to deliver on their campaign promises.

“A pledge to deliver 1.5 million new homes over the next parliament is absolutely to be applauded but will only mean anything once it comes to fruition. Having built long-term partnerships with both our housebuilding clients and our supply chain we very much look forward to playing our part in the delivery of these new homes to the nation over the course of the next five years.”

“Away from housebuilding, Labour’s pledge to develop a ten-year infrastructure strategy to guide investment plans and provide the private sector with certainty around project pipelines is long overdue as a national concept and should again be welcomed, but let’s keep the champagne on ice until we see significant progress in bringing both the concept and more importantly the much-needed projects forward.”

Bradfords Building Supplies CEO David Young revealed the steps the merchant will be taking to ensure a beneficial outcome for all.

“We welcome how central house-building has been to the Labour campaign, with commitments to build 1.5 million new homes in England," he said. "Now, with this result, we'll be focused on encouraging the new Government to address the issue of nutrient neutrality, which, if unaddressed, will impede any planning reform and prevent home-building [across the South-West].

"Through the Builders Merchants Forum, we'll also be holding the new government to account on commitments to improving existing properties. This policy area cannot wait, given the benefits of warm, insulated homes for health over winter, as well as for carbon reduction. The building materials sector already facilitates energy efficiency and micro-generation solutions at scale, so we look forward to collaborating with private and public sector partners, capitalising on new political momentum on this issue.” 

A Sustainable Energy Association statement said: "As we enter a new era with the first Labour Government since 2010, the SEA remains committed to its vision for creating healthier, warmer, and more sustainable buildings, as part of a just transition to Net Zero.

"We hope that the new Labour Government will stay true on its manifesto commitments to: invest an extra £6.6 billion in energy efficiency upgrades for the benefit of five million homes; introduce greater standards for private rented homes; offer grants and low interest loans to support investment in insulation, solar panels, batteries, and low carbon heating.

"The SEA will continue to advocate for a fabric first, technology agnostic approach to deliver buildings fit for the future, and we look forward to working with government and industry to drive real change."

Mark Dyer, Deputy Managing Director at Daikin UK, said: “We are looking forward to working with the new Government to deliver a greener future for the nation. Labour’s commitment to support the deployment of low carbon heating through the 'Warm Homes Plan' is very welcome and it will help hundreds of thousands of households install air source heat pumps. We would urge the government to consult on the plan at the earliest opportunity.

Peter Caplehorn, Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association, said: “We welcome the new Government and opportunity for change. The expectation from our industry is that this Government will understand the importance of construction and manufacturing for the wider economy and keep its manifesto promise of developing an industrial strategy to help such businesses prosper.

"We expect to engage with new Ministers quickly if they are to realise their ambitious goals for housebuilding, infrastructure, energy efficiency and a skilled workforce. A renewed focus on our trading and regulatory relationship with Europe needs attention to address the outstanding issues after Brexit, which although complex do need resolving very soon as they only serve as an obstacle to growth.

"We also look forward to working closely with the new administration on building safety and anticipate their full support for the Code for Construction Product Information.”

David Harris, CEO at Premier Modular Group, highlighted what he would like to see the new Labour Government take in its first 100 days in office to drive a greener built environment.

“With a focus on accelerating net zero, how will the new government marry this with delivering a ten-year infrastructure strategy, which includes the development of five new towns and clean energy sources, both of which are carbon intensive projects?" he said.

“In the first 100 days the government must address policies that allow a greener built environment to flourish and reduces the impact of current building materials and practices, to aid the transition to a more circular economy.

"This is all in addition to developing the skills needed to deliver its infrastructure strategy, as the industry tackles a skills shortage. There's a lot to do, but if pledges are followed through on, the future could be bright, and green."