Rishi lands back in London ahead of farewell speech and resignation at Palace after Labour storms to victory
RISHI Sunak has landed back in London ahead of his farewell speech and resignation at the Palace after Labour stormed to victory.
The PM’s plane has landed at RAF Northolt in west London after the Tories were battered overnight.
Rishi is expected to travel to Buckingham Palace to resign during an audience with the King.
Last night Rishi said he took responsibility for the Tory party’s election drubbing.
He revealed he had called incoming Labour PM Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him.
Rishi held his seat in Richmond and Northallerton, but said the British people had delivered a “sobering verdict” on his party.
Sir Keir will become the UK’s next prime minister, with Labour storming into Downing Street after securing the required 326 seats.
Speaking at his local polling station, Mr Sunak said: “On this difficult night, I’d like to express my gratitude to the people of the Richmond and Northallerton constituency for your continued support.”
On a historic night:
- Keir Starmer will be Britain’s next Prime Minister after Labour reached the required 326 seats in a Tory wipeout
- Starmer is expected to meet with King Charles later today
- Sir Keir then told supporters: “We did it!”
- Chancellor Jeremy Hunt narrowly held onto his seat in Godalming and Ash
- But ex-Defence Secretary Grant Shapps became the first Tory big beast to lose out
- He was followed by Leader of the House Penny Mordaunt, one of eight Cabinet ministers have lost their seats
- Tory defector Lee Anderson claimed the first Reform seat
- He was followed by Nigel Farage, who has become an MP for the first time at the eighth attempt
- Mr Farage warned Labour “will be in trouble very, very quickly”
- Sir Keir’s predecessor Jeremy Corbyn, now standing as an independent, also held onto Islington North
- Piers Morgan told our Never Mind The Ballots election show that Sir Keir MUST deliver after the Tory disaster
He added: “The Labour Party has won this General Election, and I’ve called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory.
“Today, power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner, with goodwill on all sides.
“That is something that should give us all confidence in our country’s stability and future.
“The British people have delivered a sobering verdict tonight, there is much to learn… and I take responsibility for the loss.
“To the many good, hard-working Conservative candidates who lost tonight, despite their tireless efforts, their local records and delivery, and their dedication to their communities.
“I am sorry.”
Mr Sunak, his wife and their security and entourage left the election count as soon as he had finished making a speech after the result was declared.
It comes as Mr Sunak will reportedly quit as leader of the Conservative Party today after the exit poll predicted a Tory wipeout.
He is expected to announce his resignation this morning, according to sources.
Tim Shipman, chief political commentator for The Sunday Times, told Times Radio it is his understanding the PM will quit today.
But he said Mr Sunak “will stay on until another leader is selected”.
He added: “In practice this means holding the fort in parliament for three weeks before the recess.”
A desperately disappointing night for the Tories culminated in a number of party big beasts losing their seats, including a record-breaking nine Cabinet ministers.
Ex-Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and Leader of the House Penny Mordaunt, both of whom were expected to throw their hats in the ring for party leadership, lost their respective seats.
Mr Sunak held onto his own, but conceded defeat and revealed he had called Sir Keir “to congratulate him”.
The Tories were also wiped out in Wales, while in Scotland Labour were rampant.
More to follow.