I am sorry... I gave this job my all...and I take responsibility

Rishi's emotional farewell to the highest office

- Sam Lister

AN emotional Rishi Sunak issued a heartfelt apology to the public and his party yesterday after leading the Conservatives to their worst ever defeat.

After a brutal night that saw Cabinet ministers unceremoniously drummed out of their seats and a historically low number of constituencies secured, Mr Sunak announced he would quit.

In a mid-morning address in Downing Street, the outgoing Prime Minister said he had given his all to the job but admitted the country had sent a clear demand for change.

Mr Sunak said he would remain in post until the party has chosen a successor, which is widely expected to happen by the end of the month.

In a brief respite from the rain on a stormy day, the Tory leader was watched by wife Akshata Murty as he spoke outside No10 to call time on 14 years of Conservative rule.

He said: "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.

Ousted

"To all the Conservative candidates and campaigners who work tirelessly but without success, I am sorry that we could not deliver what your efforts deserved.