American reacts to Rishi Sunak resignation speech

Thank you for watching me, a humble American, react to Rishi Sunak resignation speech

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[MrChillerNo]

Imagine people being jealous of UK politicians... Must be bad over on the other side of the pond...

[stumccabe]

I'm not a Sunak fan, but I applaud his speech in which he graciously takes responsibility.

[EmmaHawkins]

Whoever wrote Sunak's speech deserves a large bonus. It's honestly one of the most gracious things I've heard from a PM resignation.

[slashdisco]

Brit here: Americans, take note. The part of Rishi's speech calling Keir Starmer a decent man was a direct reference to the USA: this is how a quick and peaceful transition of power should happen, with the outgoing leader graciously accepting defeat to the winner. I was never a fan of Rishi's, but this speech gave a strong message about respecting democratic will. Whatever our politics, we Brits place trust in our electoral integrity, and are not easily swayed by the likes of your 45th President.

[-Clarky]

In fairness, like him or not, it would not have mattered if Sunak was inept or a genius. The real damage was done by those that went before him, so he inherited a situation where the public had lost all faith and trust in that government already. Could he have gone on to be a good PM overall? I really don't know and we'll never find out. This election was a Conservative loss long before he became PM.

[DylanSargesson]

This is easily one of the most gracious speeches he's ever given.

[ReticentObsessive]

It’s not 2 weeks notice as PM. Starmer took over the job just a few hours after this speech. It’s incredible how fast the change is - the staff will have moved Sunak and his family out and Starmer and his family in within 24 hours.

[dominicbuckley]

In the UK, the handover is very quick - none of the ten weeks as a lame duck during which you are free to screw over your successor. There's not even a 'two weeks' notice': when you lose an election, you are OUT the following morning. When the outgoing PM travels to offer his resignation to the King, the removals van is already at Downing Street. He even travels to Buckingham Palace in the Ministerial limo, but leaves in a private vehicle.

[GNZOU]

As a Brit who watched Jan 6 and the Brazilian election, having our own government transfer power relatively uneventfully and without scandal is refreshing.

[missmerrily]

It's the British way to be graceful in defeat, even in politics. And I hope we never lose that. We've lost a lot that was decent and good in recent years and we should fight hard for this kind of dignity to always be our way.

[billysastard]

This is how it is done in civilised countries. There are elections, after election there is transfer of powers to new elected politican and life goes on. Without 60 court cases, without conspiracy theories and most importantly without VIOLENCE!!!

[AmandaEllis]

He was dignified in defeat you are right and the smooth transfer of power is impressive for sure. Makes me proud to be British

[philipguyott]

He is still an MP. He has resigned as party leader, likely lasting several months until a replacement is voted in by Conservative Party members.

[Rokurokubi]

As a follow up maybe watch Sir Keir Starmer’s first speech as PM

[navi]

He sounds so humble and genuine now that he has lost. Should have listened to him arguing with people before the election and the type of policies he tried to push through.

[bradmacoz]

remember in the UK and here in Australia we elect the party not the Prime Minister, the Prime Minister is just the figurehead, the PM could change every day, in the scheme of things it wouldn't matter, It's the party that runs the show.

[ngaourapahoe]

I am in shock ! This speech is honest, human and admirable.

[John-P]

He accepted defeat graciously, which is the way we do things in he UK and let it always be so, unlike America where the last defeated ex president reacted like a small child and refused to accept defeat.

[irreverend_]

Resignation as Prime Minister is immediate, Starmer was Prime Minister later that afternoon. No messing about. From vote to change in leadership in 2 days basically. Well, 1 and a bit days. We get that count done quickly.

[cezza_]

As a political speech writer, I must say this speech is really well written