By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Outgoing UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has officially resigned his position following a resounding defeat for the Conservative Party in the UK general election.
Sunak met with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on Friday morning to submit his resignation, confirming his departure as both the prime minister and the leader of the Conservative Party.
In a poignant farewell address outside No. 10 Downing Street, Sunak expressed his regret to the public and acknowledged the voters’ call for change. “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 stated.
He took full responsibility for the party’s loss and apologised to Conservative candidates and campaigners for the unsuccessful outcome. “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,” Sunak added.
Following Sunak’s resignation, Labour leader Keir Starmer has also visited Buckingham Palace to seek the King’s approval to form a new government.
Starmer is now the new official Britain’s Prime Minister.
Keir Starmer has emerged as the new prime minister of the United Kingdom, following a decisive victory for the Labour Party in the parliamentary election ending 14 years of Conservative Party’s rule.