Rishi Sunak to step down as Tory leader as ex-PM says ‘sorry’

Rishi Sunak is set to step down as Conservative leader as he told reporters outside Downing Street he would meet the King this morning to offer his resignation as Prime Minister.

In a speech, he said: “Following this result, I will step down as party leader – not immediately, but once the formal arrangements to select my successor are in place.

“It is important that, after 14 years in government, the Conservative Party rebuilds itself, but also takes on its crucial role in opposition professionally and effectively.”

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Mr Sunak shouldered the burden for a “serious Green” in the general election as competing Tory factions began their battle for the future of the diminished party.

He added: “Countries, I would like to say first of all, I am sorry.

“I gave everything to this job, but you have sent a clear signal that the UK government needs to change. And yours is the only judgment that matters.

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

And he praised Sir Keir Starmer as a “decent, public-spirited man who I respect” as he conceded defeat outside the No 10.

The Prime Minister said “whatever our disagreements”, he wished Sir Keir and his family well as they make the “huge transition to their new life behind this door”.

Mr Sunak said: “Although he was my political opponent, Sir Keir Starmer will soon 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 whom I respect.

“He and his family deserve the best from our understanding as they make the huge transition to their new life behind this door.”

Liz Truss and a record number of sitting cabinet members lost their seats in the Tory bloodbath as one of Mr Sunak’s staunchest allies, Mel Stride, said the party needed a new leader.

The sitting prime minister said it had been a “difficult night” and apologized to Tory candidates who lost their seats as he kept his own Richmond and Northallerton constituency.

Mr Sunak’s apology was echoed by Suella Braverman, but the Tory leadership challenger lamented her party’s record in government, suggesting it had not listened enough to the electorate.

Ms Truss lost her seat in Norfolk South West, where she had defended a notional majority of more than 24,000 people, to Labour.

The former prime minister, who in his short time in Downing Street oversaw the disastrous mini-budget that spooked the markets, said the Tories had not “done enough” on voters’ priorities, including reducing immigration.

Mrs Truss refused to make a concession speech, but told the BBC: “I think the problem we’ve faced as the Conservatives is that we haven’t delivered enough of the policies that people want.

“And that means keeping taxes low, but also especially reducing immigration.”

Asked if she accepted some responsibility for that, Ms Truss said: “I agree. I was part of it. It is absolutely true.

“But during our 14 years in office, unfortunately, we didn’t do enough to take up the legacy that he left us, especially things like the Human Rights Act, which made it harder for us to deport illegal immigrants.”

Meanwhile, former judge Sir Robert Buckland warned that a shift to the right would be “disastrous” for the party after losing his Swindon South seat.

Speaking at Northallerton leisure center after his result came in, Mr Sunak said: “The British people have given a serious verdict tonight, there is a lot to learn… and I take responsibility for the loss.

“To the many good, hard-working Tory candidates who lost tonight despite their tireless efforts, their local record and delivery, and their commitment to their communities. I am sorry.”

The prime minister retained his seat with a majority of almost 13,000 over his nearest rival, Labour’s Tom Wilson, but conceded defeat to the Tories amid the party’s crushing results elsewhere.

Among the ten cabinet ministers who lost their seats overnight were Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt, Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, Welsh Secretary David TC Davies, Transport Secretary Mark Harper, Attorney-General Victoria Prentis and Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer, all for work.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, Justice Secretary Alex Chalk, Science Secretary Michelle Donelan, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer and Illegal Immigration Minister Michael Tomlinson all lost to the Lib Dems.

Chief Whip Simon Hart lost to Plaid Cymru.

But party chairman Richard Holden won by just 20 votes in Basildon and Billericay, and Jeremy Hunt hung on to the Surrey seat of Godalming and Ash despite a Lib Dem threat.

The outgoing chancellor said the “crushing” Tory defeat was a “bitter pill to swallow” for the party.

Former Home Secretary Ms Braverman, who was elected in the new Fareham and Waterlooville constituency, said “sorry” twice during her victory speech.

“I’m sorry my party didn’t listen to you,” she said.

“The Conservative Party has let you down. You – the great British people have voted for us over 14 years and we have not kept our promises.

“We acted as if we were entitled to your vote, no matter what we did, no matter what we didn’t do, despite the fact that we promised time and time again that we would do those things and we have to learn the lesson because if we don’t do, as it was bad tonight for my party, we will have many worse nights.

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