After facing a defeat in the general election, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced his resignation as Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party on the morning of July 5th. He extended congratulations to the Labour Party leader and praised the UK as the “best country in the world.”
Sunak stated that he had offered his resignation as Prime Minister to the King of the UK and would step down as party leader once a successor is formally arranged.
Speaking briefly outside 10 Downing Street, Sunak acknowledged that despite putting his utmost effort into his role, the election results sent a clear message that the British government needs to change.
He admitted that the Conservative Party had not fulfilled its promises and took responsibility for the failure, expressing gratitude to all Conservative candidates and campaigners while expressing sadness for those who did not win.
In this election, over a dozen Cabinet ministers and prominent figures in the Sunak government lost their seats, including former Prime Minister Liz Truss in her constituency.
Reflecting on his tenure as Prime Minister, Sunak highlighted his focus on restoring economic stability, pointing out that inflation has returned to target levels, mortgage rates are declining, and economic growth has resumed. He expressed pride in his achievements and believed that the UK is now more prosperous, fair, and resilient than in 2010, asserting that it is now stronger.
Sunak described the UK as one of the “most remarkable places,” emphasizing its approachability, and confidently declared it as the “best country in the world.”
He also paid tribute to the victorious Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer, describing him as upright, public-spirited, and deserving of respect.
During the later years of its 14-year rule, the Conservative Party grappled with confusion over its political positioning—whether to further shift right or return to a centrist stance.
Senior Conservative Party advisor Peter Botting noted that the party’s right-wing adhered to the ideology of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, a staunch advocate of free market principles, while the centrists pursued a “modernized” form of “national conservatism” akin to former Prime Minister David Cameron’s paternalistic management.
According to Reuters, internal party sources suggested that within the Conservative Party, the right-wing faction is expected to endorse two strong figures – former Home Secretary Priti Patel, known for her tough stance on immigration, and Suella Braverman, along with former Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch, who has taken a firm position on transgender issues and was named the Minister of the Year by ConservativeHome in 2023.
Meanwhile, centrist elements within the Conservative Party have put forward their own candidates, with Interior Minister James Cleverly and Home Secretary Tom Tugendhat identified as potential contenders.