Rishi Sunak said it was his "utmost priority to bring our party and our country together" in the face of the "profound economic challenge" in his first speech since it was confirmed that he would be the next Prime Minister. Mr Sunak was elected leader of the Conservative Party on Monday afternoon after his only remaining opponent, Penny Mordaunt, withdrew from the contest.
In a televised address to the nation, Rishi Sunak said: "I would like to pay tribute to Liz Truss for her dedicated public service to the country. She has led with dignity and grace through a time of great change and under exceptionally difficult circumstances both at home and a abroad.
"I am humbled and honoured to have the support of my parliamentary colleagues and to be elected as leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party. It is the greatest privilege of my life to be able to serve the party I live and to give back to the country I owe so much to.
