Rishi Sunak 'sorry', but 'honoured' to have been PM

Video caption, Rishi Sunak says 'sorry' but was 'honoured' to be PM

Former prime minister Rishi Sunak has given his final speech as prime minister (PM) outside Downing Street.

The Conservative leader has stood down after the Labour Party won the 2024 general election..

This means that Sir Keir Starmer will now replace Mr Sunak as the new UK PM.

In his speech Mr Sunak said that he was 'sorry' to have let his supporters down, but was 'honoured' to have served as prime minister.

He then headed to Buckingham meet the King to formally announce that he was resigning.

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'I am sorry'

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Mr Sunak thanked his wife and daughters for their support

Mr Sunak began his speech outside 10 Downing street - where the UK prime minister lives in London when they are working - with an apology.

"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 judgement that matters."

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

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Mr Sunak spoke about his rival Labour leader Keir Starmer saying he was a "decent public-spirited man"

He went on to say he was proud of his achievements as PM saying he believes the UK is "more prosperous, fairer and resilient than in 2010".

He also thanked his wife and daughters for their support: "I can never thank them enough for the sacrifices they have made so that I might serve my country," he said, and mentioned how much he enjoyed celebrating Divali with them at Downing Street.

Speaking about his rival Labour leader Keir Starmer, he said he was a "decent public-spirited man who I respect".