UK Election: Sunak to resign as Conservative Party leader after defeat

Rishi Sunak is set to resign as Conservative leader in the wake of the party’s landslide loss to Labour in the general election.

Sunak will go to see the king to formally relinquish his role as head of the government and make way for Keir Starmer to enter Downing Street.

His decision to step down as Conservative leader will trigger another leadership race for his party, as it seeks to rebuild itself after a devastating result. He said he would stay on as party leader until arrangements were made to find a replacement.

“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,” Sunak said in a speech to voters outside the prime minister’s office in Downing Street.

Sunak said he will resign as Tory leader. But he says he will not do so immediately – only when formal arrangements for a successor have taken place.

“It is important that, after 14 years in government, the Conservative party rebuilds, but also that it takes up its crucial role in opposition professionally and effectively.

“I have heard your anger, your disappointment and I take responsibility for this loss. To all the Conservative candidates and campaigners who worked tirelessly, but without success, I’m sorry that we could not deliver what your efforts deserved,” he added.

Sunak took the role in October 2022 without any contest after the implosion of Liz Truss’s 45-day stint in Downing Street.

He has pledged to stay on as an MP for the full term of the current parliament.

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