Victor EzejaRishi Sunak has resigned as the leader of the Conservative Party after the Labour Party won a landslide in the United Kingdom (UK) general election.
In his resignation on Friday morning, Sunak apologised to his party members for the loss in the election.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe conceded defeat to his main challenger, Keir Starmer, shortly after securing his seat at the House of Commons.
“I would like to say, first and foremost, I am sorry. I have given this job my all, but you have sent a clear message, and yours is the only judgment that matters,” Sunak said during his resignation speech in Downing Street on Friday morning.
“I have heard your anger, your disappointment, and I take responsibility for this loss.”
He added: “This is a difficult day, but I leave this job honoured to have been Prime Minister of the best country in the world.”
After winning his seat in Richmond, North Yorkshire, the outgoing British PM said: “The Labour Party has won this general election and I have called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory.
“The British people have delivered a sobering verdict tonight, there is much to learn… and I take responsibility for the loss.”
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Sunak consoled his party members, especially those who lost their seats in the parliament and thanked them for their hard work and service to the country.
He emphasised that the Conservative Party should reorganise itself to play the “crucial role in opposition, professionally and effectively.”
He the wished the incoming PM well, adding that despite their disagreements during the campaign, Sir Keir is “a decent, public-spirited man who I respect.
“He and his family deserve the very best of our understanding as they make the huge transition to their new lives behind this door and as he grapples with this most demanding of jobs in an increasingly unstable world.”
Sunak equally expressed gratitude to his colleagues in the Conservative Party, his cabinet, the civil service, his teams at Downing Street, the PM’s country retreat at Chequers, and his employees at Conservative headquarters.
Reflecting on his leadership, the outgoing PM said inflation rate has been tamed and growth has returned.
He also stated that the Conservative Party has helped to enhance UK’s position in the world and also rebuild relations with allies “leading global efforts to support Ukraine and becoming the home of a new generation of transformative technologies.”
After his resignation speech, Sunak and his wife proceeded to the Buckingham Palace where he submitted his resignation to the King as required.
Soon after the King’s spokesman announced that the monarch has “graciously” accepted Sunak’s resignation.
The Indian American will be an ordinary member of the House of Commons.
Labour Party’s victory has brought to an end 14 years of Conservative rule in the United Kingdom parliament.
Conservatives Lose Seats of Sunak’s four Predecessors as Prime Ministers
According to reports, the Conservatives have also lost the seats of all four prime ministers who preceded Sunak.
Liz Truss lost her South West Norfolk seat to Labour. Labour also won Boris Johnson’s former seat of Uxbridge.
The Liberal Democrats won Theresa May’s former seat of Maidenhead and David Cameron’s former constituency of Witney.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
