Rishi Sunak announces resignation as UK Prime Minister
Rishi Sunak has announced his resignation as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, as well as his departure from the position of leader of the Conservative Party, according to The Guardian.
Sunak, during his final speech as Prime Minister, apologized to the public for the election defeat.
"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 very sorry," he said.
He added that he gave his all to the job, but the voters have sent a clear signal that the government of the United Kingdom needs to change.
"I have heard your anger, your disappointment. And I take responsibility for this loss," Sunak emphasized.
He announced his intention to step down as the leader of the Conservatives but will remain in office until a successor is appointed.
Sunak also wished Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, success in his role as Prime Minister.
"Whilst he's been my political opponent, 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. Whatever our disagreements in this campaign, he is a decent, public-spirited man who I respect," he stated.
Sunak has now headed to see King Charles to hand over power. Later, Starmer will be invited to Buckingham Palace and asked to form a new government.
UK Elections
In late May, after a meeting with King Charles III, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak dissolved Parliament and called for early elections.
The elections in the UK took place on July 4, with the main competitors being the Conservatives and the Labour Party.
Labor leader Keir Starmer made his first official statement following the release of exit polls. For more on the leading contender for the position of Prime Minister, read the article by RBC-Ukraine.