Rishi Sunak says ‘I’m sorry’ as he departs to give his resignation to the king

Rishi Sunak has said “I am sorry” to the nation as he began his final speech as Prime Minister.

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.”

Mr Sunak praised Sir Keir Starmer as a “decent, public-spirited man who I respect” as he conceded defeat outside Number 10.

The Prime Minister said “whatever our disagreements,” he wished Sir Keir and his family well as they make “the huge transition to their new lives behind this door”.

Rishi Sunak said he was “proud” of his achievements and believes the UK is “more prosperous, fairer and resilient than it was in 2010”.

The Prime Minister cited the negotiation of the Windsor Framework and efforts to support Ukraine during his premiership.

“I’m proud of those achievements. I believe this country is safer, stronger and more secure than it was 20 months ago,” he said.

“It is more prosperous, fairer and resilient than it was in 2010.”