On Friday morning, Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, conceded defeat even before the Labour Party’s victory was officially confirmed. In a televised address from Downing Street, Sunak took full responsibility for the loss and promised an orderly transition of power.
“The British people have delivered a sobering verdict tonight, there is much to learn… and I take responsibility for the loss,” Sunak stated, according to the BBC.
He acknowledged the public’s dissatisfaction, saying, “I have heard your anger.”
Sunak announced he would step down once the Conservative Party selects a new leader.
Labour leader Keir Starmer is set to become the UK Prime Minister after meeting with King Charles. Labour won the general election in a landslide, ending 14 years of Conservative government.
As of Friday morning, Labour had secured 412 seats, while the Conservatives had only 121. Several notable Conservative MPs, including former Prime Minister Liz Truss, lost their seats.
Sunak has now traveled to meet King Charles to formally resign. Earlier, he apologized to the country for what analysts describe as the worst electoral performance for the Conservatives in modern times.
“I have heard your anger, disappointment, and I take responsibility for this loss,” Sunak reiterated.
He expressed his regret over the many colleagues who would no longer serve in the House of Commons, saying, “I am pained by how many colleagues will no longer sit in the House of Commons.”
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Reflecting on his tenure, Sunak said, “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.”
He praised the achievements of the Conservatives over the past 14 years, claiming the UK is “more prosperous, fairer, and resilient than in 2010.”
Sunak also paid tribute to Keir Starmer, calling him a “decent, public-spirited man” and wishing him and his family well in their new roles.
“He and his family deserve the very best of our understanding as they make the huge transition to their new lives behind this door, and as he grapples with this most demanding of jobs in an increasingly unstable world,” Sunak said.
In a brief acceptance speech, Keir Starmer thanked British voters for their support.
“We did it. You campaigned for it, you fought for it, you voted for it, and now it has arrived – change begins now,” Starmer told his jubilant supporters.
Reflecting on the victory, he added, “It feels good, I have to be honest.”