"Getting ready to hop on the private jet."
As outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak delivered his resignation speech, social media users found an unexpected source of commentary: the dress worn by his wife, Akshata Murty.
On July 5, outside 10 Downing Street, Sunak announced his resignation both as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and leader of the Conservative Party, following a significant defeat in the 2024 general election.
Labour won a commanding majority with 412 seats, while the Conservatives secured only 121, and the Liberal Democrats took 71, with two seats left to declare.
Murty stood behind Sunak during his speech, wearing a predominantly blue and white dress.
The top section featured downward-pointing arrows, while the bottom was red.
This outfit drew immediate attention on social media, with many users suggesting it symbolised the Conservatives’ electoral downfall.
One X user quipped: “Sunak’s wife wearing a dress that represents the Tory vote in the General Election.”
Another added: “Nice to see Mrs Sunak wore an American flag style dress to help her guy hand his resignation to the King.
“Getting ready to hop on the private jet for the new life in the US as planned.”
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A third commented: “Even Rishi Sunak’s wife’s dress says you’re going down!!”
Another joked: “Why does Sunak’s wife look like she’s got a skeleton dress on? Is it Halloween?”
In his address, Sunak expressed remorse for the election outcome.
“To the country, I would like to say first and foremost, I’m sorry,” he said.
“I have given this job my all, but you have sent a clear signal that the Government of the United Kingdom must change, and yours is the only judgment that matters.
“I have heard your anger, your disappointment, and I take responsibility for this loss.”
Sunak also confirmed he would step down as party leader once the process for selecting his successor was in place.
He extended an olive branch to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is set to become the next Prime Minister.
“While he has been my political opponent, Sir Keir Starmer will shortly become our Prime Minister.
“In this job, his successes will be all our successes, and I wish him and his family well.
“Whatever our disagreements in this campaign, he is a decent, public-spirited man who I respect,” Sunak concluded.
As the nation prepares for a new government under Starmer, the sartorial choices of the former Prime Minister’s wife have added an unexpected, if light-hearted, twist to a pivotal moment in UK politics.
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