‘I take responsibility for the loss,’ says Rishi Sunak after his crushing defeat in UK elections

Outgoing prime minister Rishi Sunak apologised to the country and said he had heard voters’ “anger and disappointment,” as he gave his final speech as UK's prime minister outside Downing Street.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, flanked by his wife Akshata Murty, delivers a speech at Number 10 Downing Street, following the results of the elections, in London

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, flanked by his wife Akshata Murty, delivers a speech at Number 10 Downing Street, following the results of the elections, in London. (Reuters)

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Friday, apologised to the nation, taking “responsibility” for his party’s debacle in the general election, and said he had heard voters’ “anger and disappointment” and desire for change.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street after a catastrophic night for the Conservative party, Sunak confirmed his resignation as prime minister and said, “To the country I would like to say first and foremost, I am sorry.”

“I have heard your anger, and I take responsibility for this loss. I have given this job my all but you have sent a clear message that the government of the UK must change, and yours is the judgement that matters, he said.

On Friday, Rishi Sunak accepted defeat after the exit poll showed his Conservative Party collapsing and the Labour Party heading to a landslide victory, bringing the curtains down on his 14-year run governing Britain.

Sunak said he would step down as party leader, adding “not immediately but once the formal arrangements for selecting my successor are in place”.

The outgoing leader acknowledged the rebuilding work required within the Tories as it takes on the “crucial role” of the new Opposition in Parliament. Sunak also underlined a few of his key achievements, pointing to falling inflation and leaving the UK “safer, stronger and more secure”.

He apologised to the party’s candidates and campaigners, “I’m sorry that we could not deliver what your efforts deserved. It pains me to think how many good colleagues who contributed so much to their communities and our country will now no longer sit in the House of Commons.”

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Sunak also congratulated Keir Starmer on Labour’s victory, saying, “Whilst he has been my political opponent, Sir Keir Starmer will shortly become our prime minister. In this job, his successes will be all our successes, and I wish him and his family well.”

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“Whatever our disagreements in this campaign, he is a decent, public-spirited man, who I respect. He and his family deserve the very best of our understanding, as they make a huge transition to their new lives behind this door,” he said.

With nearly all results declared, Keir Starmer-led Labour Party is projected to form the next government, with a majority of 174. Currently, they have 412 MPs, up 211 from the last election.
The Tories are set for the worst-ever result in their history. They have lost 250 seats and are currently on 121 seats.

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