Resignation speech


A resignation speech is a speech made by a public figure upon resigning from office.
Resigning speeches can have considerable political effect for a number of reasons:
  • The resignation of a senior politician is normally an important, sometimes historic, event. As such, resignation speeches often command unusually high public interest and media attention;
  • The exiting politician can take this opportunity to enumerate reasons for their resignation and perhaps to defend their reputation ;
  • Resigning public figures, particularly politicians, are freed from the constraints of cabinet collective responsibility and constitutional protocol and can voice their opinions with greater independence, for these or other reasons ;
  • The circumstances of a resignation often cast light on the activities or policies of an incumbent government. A resigning minister can cause significant political damage to an administration or to an individual colleague.

Notable resignation speeches