Rishi Sunak reveals future as Conservative leader as he says 'sorry' for General Election defeat

Rishi Sunak is resigning as Conservative leader as well as Prime Minister after leading the party to their worst ever election result.

In a speech outside Downing Street Mr Sunak offered an apology to the country, saying 'first and foremost, I am sorry'. The outgoing Prime Minister said he would quit as Tory leader once arrangements are in place to choose his successor, potentially triggering another round of Conservative infighting as MPs scramble to replace him.

Sir Keir Starmer will become prime minister after a Tory rout which saw former premier Liz Truss and a dozen serving Cabinet members lose their seats.

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In a statement outside No 10, Mr Sunak said: "I will shortly be seeing His Majesty the King to offer my resignation as Prime Minister. 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."

And Mr Sunak also apologised to the Conservative MPs and staffers who have lost their jobs. He said: "To all the Conservative candidates and campaigners who worked tirelessly, but without success, I am sorry that we could not deliver what your efforts deserved.

"It pains me to think how many good colleagues who contributed so much to their communities and our country will now no longer sit in the House of Commons. I thank them for their hard work and their service.

"Following this result, I will step down as party leader, not immediately, but once the formal arrangements for selecting my successor are in place. It is important that after 14 years in government, the Conservative party rebuilds, but also that it takes up its crucial role in opposition professionally and effectively."