Rishi Sunak has resigned as leader of the Conservative Party after Labour won a landslide in the general election, saying “I am sorry”.
Mr Sunak said he would not leave his role immediately.
“I would like to say, first and foremost, I am sorry. I have given this job my all,” he said on the steps of 10 Downing Street.
“I have heard your anger, your disappointment and I take responsibility for this loss.”
He added: “I am honoured to have been your prime minister, this is the best country in the world”.
The Conservatives have lost more seats than any other election on record as large swathes of the country turned red.
Moments before he gave his speech, Mr Sunak wrote on X: “I have given this job my all. But you have sent a clear message, and yours is the only judgement that matters.
“This is a difficult day, but I leave this job honoured to have been prime minister of the best country in the world.”
Sir Keir Starmer claimed victory at 5am on Friday – telling a crowd of supporters that the UK has “the opportunity after 14 years to get its future back”.
After winning his seat in Richmond, North Yorkshire, Mr Sunak conceded defeat and said it was a “sobering” night.
He added: “The Labour Party has won this general election and I have called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory.
“The British people have delivered a sobering verdict tonight, there is much to learn… and I take responsibility for the loss.”
Labour victory exceeds exit poll prediction – follow live
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Rishi Sunak speaking in his constituency after the votes were counted
In a message to the hundreds of Tories who have lost their seats, Mr Sunak said: “I am sorry.”
Analysis: Fickle voters hand Labour a ‘loveless landslide’
A record 11 cabinet ministers out of 22 were voted out – as well as former prime minister Liz Truss, who lost her majority of more than 24,000.
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