Rishi Sunak has announced his plans to resign as leader of the Conservative Party following their major defeat in the UK General Elections.
Addressing the nation following the election loss, Mr Sunak said: ‘I’m sorry. I have heard your anger, your disappointment, and I take responsibility.’
The Conservatives lost eight Cabinet ministers overnight as election results began coming through to confirm a landslide victory for the Labour party.
Labour leader Keir Starmer, who is set to become the new UK Prime Minister, said the country could now ‘get its future back.’
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street in his final address as Prime Minister, Sunak apologised and announced he would step down as Tory leader.
‘I will shortly be seeing His Majesty the King to offer my resignation as prime minister to the country. I would like to say first and foremost, I am sorry,’ he said.
‘I have given the job my all but you have sent a clear signal that the government of the United Kingdom must change and yours is the only judgement that matters.
‘I have heard your anger, your disappointment. And I take responsibility for this loss.’
Extending congratulations to his successor, Mr Sunak said he wished Keir Starmer and his family well.
‘Whatever our disagreements in this campaign, he is a decent, public spirited man who I respect,’ the outgoing UK PM said.
He concluded that he departs the job ‘honoured’ to have been leader.
‘This is a difficult day, at the end of a number of difficult days.’
A record number of Tory ministers lost their seats in what has been described as a ‘wipeout’ with eight UK Cabinet ministers departing their seats — beating the previous record of seven defeats in 1997.
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Among those who have lost their seats include House of Commons leader Penny Mordaunt; Chief whip Simon Hart and Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor Alex Chaulk.
Keir Starmer will be formally appointed as Prime Minister by King Charles at Buckingham Palace on Friday, after Mr Sunak makes his formal resignation.
The new Prime Minister will then address the nation in his first speech at Downing Street.
