Speaking to press outside Downing Street alongside his other party leaders from the election, Sunak called the night "difficult" for him and his party and took responsibility for the loss, while also congratulating Starmer and saying that he "looks forward" to remaining a Member of Parliament, although he will be stepping down as his party's leader.
"I congratulate my opponents here on the energetic and very good-natured campaigns they have run," Sunak said. "Today power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner, with good will on all sides. That is something that should give us all confidence in our country's stability and future."
He continued: "To the many good, hardworking Conservative candidates who've lost tonight, despite their tireless efforts, their local records of delivery, and their dedication to their communities, I am sorry."
Labour swept the election victory, receiving 412 seats in the House of Commons, while Conservatives received 121, per BBC News. Sunak stepped down in what is being called "the worst defeat for the Conservatives in the nearly 200-year history of the party." Sunak had called for the snap election in late May after facing increasing criticism over the economy and his failing plan to send incoming migrants to Rwanda.
Starmer visited the King to receive his permission to form a new government before delivering his victory speech outside Number 10. "I invite you to join this government of service," Starmer said, adding that his immediate focus will be finalizing his cabinet and settling his family into their new home before his first full day as Prime Minister tomorrow.
As of Friday, Starmer had appointed 22 cabinet members, with 11 being women, meaning his cabinet will have the most female ministers in UK history, per The Guardian. "It will, however, only have three from minority ethnic backgrounds despite a record 89 being elected to parliament," the outlet said.
