Sunak thanks civil servants and apologises to nation in resignation speech

Former PM pledges to stand down as Conservative leader … but "not immediately"
Photo: UPI/Alamy Stock Photo

By Jim Dunton

05 Jul 2024

Rishi Sunak used his final speech as prime minister to apologise to the nation following yesterday's devastating general election verdict – and also thanked the civil service for its support during his time in Downing Street.

With 648 out of 650 results returned so far, Labour has 412 seats in parliament – more than three times the 121 racked up by Sunak's Conservative Party.

Ahead of being driven to Buckingham Palace to formally resign as prime minister, Sunak gave a brief speech outside No.10 that pulled no punches.

"To the country, I would like to say, first and foremost, I am sorry," Sunak said. "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 judgement that matters.

"I have heard your anger, your disappointment; and I take responsibility for this loss."

Sunak also apologised to the hundreds of Conservative candidates and thousands of campaigners who worked "tirelessly but without success" in yesterday's vote. It is the Conservative Party's worst-ever election result.

"I am sorry that we could not deliver what your efforts deserved," he said. "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 Commons. I thank them for their hard work, and their service."

Sunak added: "I would like to thank my colleagues, my cabinet, the civil service – especially here in Downing Street; the team at Chequers, my staff, CCHQ. But most of all I would like to express my gratitude to my wife Akshata and our beautiful daughters. I can never thank them enough for the sacrifices they have made so that I might serve our country."

The outgoing PM said he believed the UK was "safer, stronger, and more secure than it was 20 months ago", which is when he took office. He said the country was also more prosperous, fairer and more resilient than it was when the coalition government took office in 2010.

Sunak confirmed his intention to resign as leader of the Conservative Party, but said he would not do so immediately – but when "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," he said.

Sunak concluded: "This is a difficult day, at the end of a number of difficult days. But I leave this job honoured to have been your prime minister. This is the best country in the world and that is thanks entirely to you, the British people, the true source of all our achievements, our strengths, and our greatness."

Read the most recent articles written by Jim Dunton - Cabinet Office perm sec eyes Civil Service People Survey changes

Share this page