Rishi Sunak said on Friday he would resign as prime minister and leader of the Conservative Party after losing to Labor’s Keir Starmer and, leaving with an apology, paid tribute to Britain and called for the protection of “kindness, decency and tolerance”.
His defeat spells the end of 14 years of conservative government – a period marked by division, political instability and, more recently, economic problems. Sunak is handing over control of the world’s sixth largest economy to center-left Labor Party leader Keir Starmer.
“I did my best, but you have sent a clear message that the UK government must change, and only your decision matters,” Sunak said outside his Downing Street office. “I have heard your anger, your disappointment, and I take responsibility for this loss.”
Sunak said that regardless of their differences, he respects Starmer as “a decent man who cares about the welfare of society.”
“I will step down as party leader, not immediately, but as soon as formal arrangements are made to select my successor,” he said.
Some time later, Starmer said in his first Downing Street address that Britain must rediscover its identity and undergo a major reset, promising to fight to restore trust in politics and serve all voters.
Having officially accepted the king’s invitation to become prime minister, Starmer advocated a moderate policy to restore the broken confidence of the electorate.
“It’s certainly clear to everyone that our country needs a major reset, we need to rediscover who we are, because no matter how fierce historical storms have been, one of the greatest strengths of this country has always been our ability to navigate to calmer waters,” he said.
“This depends on politicians, especially those who stand for stability and moderation, as I do,” he added. “You have given us a clear mandate and we will use it to bring about change,” said the new British prime minister, Hina writes.
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