Sunak congratulates new PM and apologises to party in first speech as opposition leader

Rishi Sunak addressed the commons for the first time as leader of the opposition on Tuesday, offering an apology to those Conservative MPs who lost their seats at the last election.

The former prime minister began by congratulating his successor. “In our politics, we can argue vigorously, as the PM and I did over the past six weeks, but still respect each other”, he said.

Sunak went on: “For those of us in my party, let me begin with a message to those who are no longer sitting behind me. I am sorry we have lost too many diligent, community spirited representatives whose wisdom and expertise will be missed in the debates and discussions ahead.”

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