Rishi Sunak has apologized to the nation following the Conservative Party's general election defeat, the worst in its parliamentary history. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer led his party to a landslide victory and will take over as the UK's prime minister.
Sunak acknowledged voters' 'anger' at his government, stating, '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 message that the government of the UK must change, and yours is the judgment that matters.' He added that he would step down as party leader once arrangements for selecting his successor are in place.
Sunak delivered his speech outside Number 10, despite the rain, ensuring an orderly transition and paying tribute to Sir Keir as 'a decent and public-spirited man.' He then traveled to offer his resignation to the King.
In his victory speech, Sir Keir said, 'Change begins now,' with Labour projected to form the next government with a majority of 174, holding 412 MPs, up 211 from the last election. The Conservatives, facing their worst result in history, lost 250 seats, now holding only 121 seats.
Former Prime Minister Liz Truss lost her South West Norfolk seat to Labour by 630 votes, with several other senior Tories, including Grant Shapps and Penny Mordaunt, also losing their seats. Reform UK leader
Nigel Farage won a seat in Parliament in Clacton, with Reform securing four MPs so far.
The Liberal Democrats saw a surge to a record 71 MPs, with leader Sir Ed Davey highlighting the focus on issues like the NHS. The Green Party now has four MPs, while the SNP has been reduced to just eight MPs. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn retained his Islington North seat as an independent.
Sunak’s resignation marks the end of a tumultuous period for the Conservatives, who must now regroup and reconnect with voters. Labour’s victory brings a new era to UK politics, with significant challenges and changes ahead.