Sunak apologises for electoral disaster, quits as leader

London, July 5, 2024

Outgoing British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has apologised after leading the Conservatives to their worst ever election result as a Labour landslide swept Keir Starmer into power.

Sunak said he would quit as Conservative leader once arrangements are in place to choose his successor, potentially triggering another round of Conservative infighting as members of parliament (MPs) scramble to replace him.

Starmer will become prime minister after a Conservative rout which saw former premier Liz Truss and a dozen serving Cabinet members lose their seats.

In a statement outside his former office, Sunak said: “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.

“I have given this job my all, but you have sent a clear signal that the government of the United Kingdom must change. And yours is the only judgment that matters.

“I have heard your anger, your disappointment, and I take responsibility for this loss.”

After 648 of the 650 Commons seats had been declared, Labour had a majority of 176. Labour had 412 seats and the Conservatives 121.

Sunak said: “Following this result I will step down as party leader – not immediately, but once the formal arrangements for selecting my successor are in place.

“It is important that, after 14 years in government, the Conservative Party rebuilds, but also that it takes up its crucial role in opposition professionally and effectively.”

He added: “This is a difficult day at the end of a number of difficult days. But I leave this job honoured to have been your prime minister.

“This is the best country in the world. And it is thanks entirely to you, the British people, the true source of all our achievements, our strengths and our greatness.”

After speaking in Downing Street, Sunak will traveled by car to Buckingham Palace to resign as prime minister.

After he leaves, Starmer will go to see King Charles III to accept the responsibility of forming a government.