Rishi Sunak has said “I am sorry” to the nation as he began his final speech as Prime Minister. The weather held up prior to his arrival at Downing Street . A very light drizzle of rain fell in the street after much heavier rain had greeted members of the media earlier in the morning.
Mr Sunak previously got soaked as he announced the General Election standing outside No 10 in May. After stepping out onto a drizzly Downing Street, he said: “I will shortly be seeing His Majesty the King to offer my resignation as Prime Minister . “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 signal that the Government of the United Kingdom must change. And yours is the only judgment that matters. “I have heard your anger, your disappointment, and I take responsibility for this loss.
” He added: “Following this result I will step down as party leader – not immediately, but once the formal arrangements for selecting my successor are in 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.” Sunak apologised to Conservative candidates and campaigners, saying: “I’m sorry that we could not deliver what your efforts deserved.
“It pains me to think how many good colleagues who contributed so much to their communities and our country will now no longer sit in the House of C.