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Sunak apologises for Tory electoral disaster and confirms plan to quit as leader

05 Jul 2024 2 minute read
Independent candidate Niko Omilana holds an “L” behind Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during his speech at Northallerton Leisure Centre in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, after holding his seat.Photo Temilade Adelaja/PA Wire

Rishi Sunak has apologised after leading the Conservatives to their worst ever election result as a Labour landslide swept Sir Keir Starmer to No 10.

The outgoing Prime Minister said he would quit as Tory leader once arrangements are in place to choose his successor, potentially triggering another round of Conservative infighting as MPs scramble to replace him.

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

In a statement outside No 10, Mr 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 Tories 121.

Sorry

Mr 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.”


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Mab Meirion
Mab Meirion
4 months ago

Some contest; into the Election of the Nastiest Tory standing…

Bully Braverman or Jenrick, both not fit persons to have sway over others…

but someone has to lead them into the mountain…

John Ellis
John Ellis
4 months ago
Reply to  Mab Meirion

Kemi Badenoch’s another possibility. Though her apparent distaste for the idea of cosying up to the Farage brigade is pretty much the only merit which I’d say might distinguish her from the dubious characters whom you’ve mentioned.

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