Rishi Sunak Resigns After Labour’s Election Victory
Rishi Sunak apologized to the public on Friday after the Conservatives suffered a significant defeat by Labour in the UK general election. Announcing his resignation as party leader, Sunak acknowledged the public’s desire for change after 14 years of Conservative rule.
Sunak, 44, had hoped that better economic conditions would turn voter sentiment in favor of the Tories. However, the election results reflected widespread dissatisfaction with economic hardships, Brexit-related issues, and internal party conflicts.
Addressing the nation from Downing Street, Sunak said, “To the country, I am deeply 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 judgement that matters. I have heard your anger and disappointment, and I take responsibility for this loss.”
Given the scale of the defeat, Sunak, the Conservatives’ fifth leader since 2010, had little choice but to resign. He will remain in his role until a new leader is chosen through an internal leadership contest.
The election saw several top Conservative ministers, including Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and House of Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt, lose their seats. Sunak’s predecessor, Liz Truss, also lost her seat.
Sunak, the UK’s first prime minister of color and an observant Hindu, extended his best wishes to his successor, Keir Starmer, calling him “a decent, public-spirited man who I respect.” Reflecting on his journey, Sunak added, “One of the most remarkable things about Britain is just how unremarkable it is that two generations after my grandparents came here with little, I could become prime minister. And that I could watch my two young daughters light Diwali candles on the steps of Downing Street. We must hold true to that idea of who we are.”
