UK Elections: Rishi Sunak Resigns As Conservative Leader

Rishi Sunak is resigned as Conservative leader following the party’s resounding loss to Labour in the UK national election.

Rishi Sunak apologised to the country for his disastrous election loss, saying he had understood people’ “anger and disappointment” and demand for change.

Sunak announced his resignation as UK prime minister outside 10 Downing Street following a dismal night for the Conservative party, saying: “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.

“I have heard your anger, your disappointment, and I take responsibility for this loss.”

He also stated that he would step down as Conservative leader once the processes for picking his successor were in place. The party is expected to gain slightly more than 121 seats, its poorest finish in history.

He congratulated Keir Starmer on Labour’s landslide victory, saying: “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 and his family deserve the very best of our understanding as they make the huge transition to their new lives behind this door,” he added.

Sunak spoke on his legacy, saying he reduced inflation down to the Bank of England’s aim of 2%, put mortgage rates on a decreasing trend, and improved the UK’s international standing. He mentioned his support for Ukraine and the negotiation of the Windsor framework for post-Brexit trading arrangements in Northern Ireland.

“I’m proud of those achievements. I believe this country is safer, stronger, and more secure than it was 20 months ago,” he said. “It is more prosperous, fairer, and resilient than it was in 2010.”

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli