In a poignant address on Friday, Rishi Sunak declared his resignation as Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party after a decisive electoral defeat to Keir Starmer’s Labour Party.
His tenure, marked by significant challenges, concluded with an emotional farewell, an acknowledgment of his party’s defeat, and a call for the preservation of core British values such as kindness, decency, and tolerance.
Sunak’s resignation signals the end of a 14-year Conservative governance, a period characterized by political turbulence, internal divisions, and recent economic difficulties.
Keir Starmer now assumes control of the UK, the world’s sixth-largest economy, ushering in a new era under the centre-left Labour Party.
Standing outside the Prime Minister’s residence at Downing Street, Sunak reflected on his time in office, stating, “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.” He acknowledged the public’s dissatisfaction and accepted responsibility for the loss.
In a gesture of respect, Sunak described Starmer as a “decent public-spirited man,” expressing hope that the new Prime Minister and his family would smoothly transition into their roles.
This respectful tone contrasted sharply with the aggressive rhetoric of Sunak’s campaign, where he warned that Starmer’s policies would harm the economy and national security.
Despite his efforts, Sunak’s 20-month leadership of the Conservative Party ended with the worst electoral defeat in its history. He had hoped that early elections would benefit from improved economic data, but the campaign was plagued by missteps.
#WATCH | Rishi Sunak gives his last speech as UK Prime Minister outside 10, Downing Street
“…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… pic.twitter.com/4MqUAiGyIi
— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2024
Reflecting on his decision, Sunak said, “I will step down as party leader, not immediately but once the formal arrangements for selecting my successor are in place.”
He emphasized the importance of the Conservative Party’s role in opposition and the need for professional and effective rebuilding after 14 years in government.
Earlier, Sunak spoke to Starmer to congratulate him, lauding the peaceful and orderly transition of power as a testament to Britain’s stability. Despite this, he faces criticism from Conservative colleagues for his early election call, which they felt left the party unprepared. His policy platform was also labeled as “cautious” and “uninspiring.”
In his parting words, Sunak, Britain’s first ethnic-minority Prime Minister, reflected on the country’s inclusiveness and his personal journey.
“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 in Downing Street,” he said. He urged the nation to uphold values of kindness, decency, and tolerance, which he believes are intrinsic to British identity.
Concluding his speech, Sunak said, “This is a difficult day at the end of a number of difficult days, but I leave this job honored to have been your Prime Minister.”