Rishi Sunak at the podium outside Downing Street ( Image: PA)
By Smartencyclopedia & Agencies
In a poignant and reflective speech delivered outside No. 10 Downing Street, Rishi Sunak bid farewell to his tenure as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The address, which came on the heels of a significant electoral defeat for the Conservative Party, saw Sunak apologize to his party and the nation while welcoming the new Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer.
A Humble Farewell
Mr. Sunak, who managed to retain his Richmond seat, addressed the nation with a heartfelt apology and a message of responsibility. “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 sorry. I have given this job my all. You have sent a clear signal the government of the United Kingdom must change and yours is the only judgment that matters,” he began.
Acknowledging the disappointment and anger of the electorate, Sunak took full responsibility for the Conservative Party’s loss. He expressed his regret for the many colleagues who would no longer be serving in the House of Commons and thanked them for their hard work and dedication.
Reflecting on Achievements
Despite the sobering loss, Sunak highlighted the achievements of his government during his brief tenure. He pointed to economic stability, with inflation returning to target, falling mortgage rates, and renewed growth. He emphasized the strengthening of the UK’s global standing and the advancements in supporting Ukraine and fostering transformative technologies.
Sunak also lauded the accomplishments within the United Kingdom, such as the Windsor Framework and the restoration of devolution 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. And it is more prosperous, fairer, and resilient than it was in 2010,” he stated.
Transition to Opposition
Sunak announced his intention to step down as party leader once the formal arrangements for selecting his successor are in place. He stressed the importance of the Conservative Party rebuilding and taking up its crucial role in opposition effectively and professionally after 14 years in government.
Welcoming Sir Keir Starmer
In a gracious gesture, Sunak congratulated Sir Keir Starmer on becoming the country’s 58th Prime Minister. “Whilst he has been my political opponent, Sir 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,” Sunak remarked.
Gratitude and Reflection
Sunak expressed profound gratitude to his colleagues, his Cabinet, the Civil Service, and his family. He paid a touching tribute to his wife Akshata and their daughters, acknowledging their sacrifices that enabled him to serve the country.
Reflecting on his journey, Sunak remarked on the remarkable nature of Britain, where two generations after his grandparents arrived with little, he could become Prime Minister. He shared a poignant memory of his daughters lighting Diwali candles on the steps of Downing Street, embodying the ideals of kindness, decency, and tolerance that he believes define the British way.
Closing Remarks
Concluding his speech, Sunak acknowledged the difficulty of the day but expressed his honor at having served as Prime Minister. “This is the best country in the world. And it is thanks entirely to you, the British people, the true source of all our achievements, our strengths, and our greatness. Thank you,” he said, marking the end of his tenure with a note of gratitude and hope for the future.
As the UK transitions to new leadership under Sir Keir Starmer, Sunak’s resignation marks a pivotal moment in British politics, one that underscores the nation’s democratic resilience and the enduring spirit of public service.