RNS: In a dramatic turn of events, Rishi Sunak resigned as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on Friday following a resounding defeat for the Conservative Party in the general elections. The announcement came shortly after Sunak met with the King at Buckingham Palace to formally submit his resignation.
A statement issued by the palace read: “The right honourable Rishi Sunak MP had an audience of the King this morning and tendered his resignation as prime minister and first lord of the Treasury, which his majesty was graciously pleased to accept.”
In a somber address outside 10 Downing Street, Sunak expressed regret over his party’s electoral setback, stating, “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.”
Sunak, who acknowledged responsibility for the electoral outcome, acknowledged the need for a new direction in leadership after the Conservatives’ 14-year rule was brought to an end by the Labour Party, which secured an impressive 412 seats in Parliament.
As the nation braces for a change in leadership, Keir Starmer is poised to assume the role of Prime Minister, ushering in a new era for British governance.
Reflecting on the mandate received, Starmer affirmed, “We said we will stop the chaos. And we will. We said we will turn the page. And we have. The work of change begins today,” he posted on X.
