Rishi Sunak has delivered his first statement as the country's new Prime Minister following the resignation of Liz Truss. Standing in Downing Street, he shared how he accepted the King's invitation to form a government.
The new Prime Minister then set out his key points as the incoming leader of the country. Mr Sunak spoke of a 'profound economic crisis' being faced, while the 'aftermath of Covid still lingers' and the Ukraine continues to 'destabilise' industries across the world.
But he admitted that his predecessor, Liz Truss, made mistakes. The new Prime Minister said: "I have been elected as leader of my party, and your Prime Minister, in part, to fix them."
READ MORE: LIVE: Rishi Sunak to become Prime Minister and Liz Truss leaves No 10 - latest updates
'The work begins immediately to create economic stability'
The new Prime Minister says his first priority is calming recent economic chaos, following the recent mini-budget which saw the financial markets spiral. But Mr Sunak warned that this would mean 'difficult decisions'.
"I will place economic stability and confidence at the heart of this government’s agenda," said the new Prime Minister. "This will mean difficult decisions to come.
"But you saw me during Covid, doing everything I could, to protect people and businesses, with schemes like furlough. There are always limits, more so now than ever, but I promise you this: I will bring that same compassion to the challenges we face today.
"The government I lead will not leave the next generation your children and grandchildren with a debt to settle that we were too weak to pay ourselves."
'Uniting the country'
In the wake of division and derision overwhelming the Conservative Party in recent months, Rishi Sunak pledged to unite his party and unite the country. He promised 'integrity, professionalism and accountability' following government's marred by the party-gate scandal and police investigations.
Mr Sunak also attempted to put to rest calls for a general election by saying the mandate achieved during the 2019 general election 'is not the sole property of any one individual' after Boris Johnson was elected in a landslide victory.
"I will unite our country, not with words, but with action. I will work day in and day out to deliver for you," continued the PM.
"This government will have integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level. Trust is earned. And I will earn yours.
"I will always be grateful to Boris Johnson for his incredible achievements as Prime Minister, and I treasure his warmth and generosity of spirit. And I know he would agree that the mandate my party earned in 2019 is not the sole property of any one individual it is a mandate that belongs to and unites all of us.
"And the heart of that mandate is our manifesto."
A reminder of the Conservative manifesto
"I will deliver on its promise. A stronger NHS. Better schools. Safer streets. Control of our borders. Protecting our environment. Supporting our armed forces. Levelling up and building an economy that embraces the opportunities of Brexit, where businesses invest, innovate, and create jobs."
Mr Sunak listed his key priorities, including delivering levelling up after much debate about whether the scheme will happen. But he stressed that the coming months will be hard. "I understand how difficult this moment is.
"After the billions of pounds it cost us to combat Covid after all the dislocation that caused in the midst of a terrible war that must be seen successfully to its conclusions, I fully appreciate how hard things are.
"And I understand too that I have work to do to restore trust after all that has happened. All I can say is that I am not daunted.
"I know the high office I have accepted and I hope to live up to its demands. But when the opportunity to serve comes along, you cannot question the moment, only your willingness."
A new era with a new Prime Minister?
Rishi Sunak suggested politics will now be put aside as he ascends to the highest office - after initially losing to Liz Truss in the last leadership race.
"I stand here before you ready to lead our country into the future," he said today. "To put your needs above politics. To reach out and build a government that represents the very best traditions of my party.
"Together we can achieve incredible things. We will create a future worthy of the sacrifices so many have made and fill tomorrow, and everyday thereafter with hope."
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