Rishi Sunak, whose Conservative Party was defeated by the Keir Starmer-led Labour Party, will soon step down from his position as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Following the historic victory of the Labour Party, Sunak is expected to leave the traditional residence of the UK Prime Minister and return to his constituency in Richmond Northallerton, where he was re-elected in the general election.
The Labour Party’s resounding victory has ended the Conservative Party’s 14-year reign in the UK, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. With the Conservatives’ defeat, speculation has been rife about when Sunak will leave Number 10 Downing Street. Unlike the United States, where defeated presidents remain in office for several months before the transition of power, the UK operates under a different tradition. In Britain, the defeated prime minister typically resigns the day after the election. In accordance with this tradition, Sunak is expected to vacate Number 10 Downing Street, making way for Labour leader Starmer.
Reports suggest that Sunak will resign as Conservative Party leader on Friday, a day after the election. This follows earlier hints from Sunak that he might not immediately step down as party leader if his party lost the election. The handover process, a well-established convention, commences as soon as the election result is clear. The Prime Minister calls the Leader of the Opposition to concede defeat, often as early as the night of the election results. The process involves intense discussions between the outgoing government and the incoming party, culminating in a speech by the defeated leader on the steps of Number 10 Downing Street. The defeated leader then heads to Buckingham Palace, while the victorious leader is welcomed into their new home. It’s a customary sight to see removal vans outside 10 Downing Street after a prime ministerial defeat.
Sunak’s departure from Number 10 will not be a logistical challenge, as he owns multiple properties across the country. He previously lived at Number 11 Downing Street during his time as Chancellor under Boris Johnson, splitting his time between the official residence and his private family home. When he and his wife Akshata Murty moved into Number 10 in 2022, removal vans were spotted on the famous street, indicating the relocation of belongings.
One resident who will remain at Number 10 is Larry the Cat, the Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office. Larry has held this position since 2011 and is cared for by staff at Downing Street. While Sunak’s departure marks a significant change for the country’s leadership, Larry the Cat will continue to reside at Number 10, a testament to his enduring presence in the Prime Minister’s residence.
