Incoming U.K. prime minister Rishi Sunak pledges to bring the country together

After being elected as head of the Conservative Party in the U.K., Rishi Sunak said he would bring the country together when he takes office as prime minister. Sunak will become the British prime minister after Liz Truss, who took office in September, announced on Oct. 20 that she would resign.

Video transcript

RISHI SUNAK: I'd like to pay tribute to Liz Truss for her dedicated public service to the country. She has led with dignity and grace through a time of great change and under exceptionally difficult circumstances, both at home and abroad.

I am humbled and honored to have the support of my parliamentary colleagues, and to be elected as leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party. It is the greatest privilege of my life to be able to serve the party I love, and give back to the country I owe so much to.

The United Kingdom is a great country. But there is no doubt, we face a profound economic challenge. We now need stability and unity. And I will make it my utmost priority to bring our party and our country together because that is the only way we will overcome the challenges we face and build a better, more prosperous future for our children and our grandchildren.

I pledge that I will serve you with integrity and humility. And I will work day-in, day-out to deliver for the British people.