Sunak defends record in final speech as PM
Rishi Sunak addressed the nation for the last time as Britain’s prime minister on Friday, apologizing for his failings and taking responsibility for his Conservative Party’s disastrous election result, while defending his economic performance.
“I want to start by telling the country that I am sorry,” Mr Sunak said in a brief but dignified statement from Downing Street. “I have heard your anger and disappointment. And I take responsibility for your loss.”
The outgoing leader spoke for about four minutes, as his wife, Akshata Murty, looked on, before making the short journey to Buckingham Palace to tender his resignation to King Charles III.
The election defeat is a seismic political moment in Britain, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. Mr Sunak said he would step down as leader of his party — but only once formal arrangements are in place to choose his successor. He will remain a lawmaker, having been re-elected for his parliamentary seat in Yorkshire.
Criticised by some colleagues for calling the general election earlier than expected, Mr Sunak acknowledged his failures, both to the Conservative Party and to the nation. But he also defended his record, saying inflation had fallen, economic growth had returned and Britain had improved its global standing in the less than two years he had been prime minister.
“I’m proud of those accomplishments,” he said. “I believe this country is safer and more secure than it was 20 months ago.”
He also praised his successor, Keir Starmer, whom he called a “decent, public-spirited man who I respect.”
“In this job, his successes will be all our successes and I wish him and his family all the best,” Mr Sunak said.
The statement marks the end of the political road, at least for now, for the 44-year-old former hedge fund manager who has enjoyed a meteoric rise to public life. Mr Sunak entered parliament in 2015 and served as chancellor of the exchequer during the coronavirus pandemic, when he offered generous financial support to keep workers in jobs.
“This is a difficult day after a difficult few days, but I leave this job feeling that I have been your prime minister,” Mr Sunak said.
In a personal letter, he said he was proud to have been the first Hindu Prime Minister in Britain.
“One of the most remarkable things about Britain is how unremarkable it is that, two generations after my grandparents came here with very little money, I could become prime minister and watch my two young daughters light Diwali candles on the steps of Downing Street,” he said.
