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Rishi Sunak made history by becoming the youngest British prime minister in more than a century, the country’s first non-white leader, and the first Hindu to take office. Much has been said about his family, his fortune, and his plans for the UK, but what is known about the new occupant of 10 Downing Street?
Sunak is, as his last four predecessors (David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, and Liz Truss), a member of the Conservative Party, and the former finance minister. He became the party leader after the resignation of Liz Truss, who only held the post for six weeks, the shortest in the history of the United Kingdom. Rishi Sunak was the only candidate with the confirmed support of more than 100 legislators, the number required to enter the race.
The new Prime Minister studied at Oxford University and Stanford University. Before going into politics, he worked for Goldman Sachs. In 2016, after starting his career in the political world, he campaigned in favor of Brexit before the referendum.
Sunak and his wife form one of the richest in the United Kingdom. This year, The Times estimated that Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, were worth more than $800 million, placing them among the 250 richest British individuals or families.
The media detailed this Tuesday that he will be one of the richest people to occupy 10 Downing Street. According to The Times, part of the couple’s fortune is due to Infosys, a technology company founded by his father-in-law and in which his wife has a 0.93% stake.
The Guardian also explained that “Sunak, his wife and two daughters, Krishna and Anoushka, spend most of the week at their five-bedroom mews house in Kensington, west London, which is estimated by estate agents to be worth more than £7m.”
Rishi Sunak’s first speech
This Tuesday, Sunak gave a message to his country from the doors of his official residence after receiving King Charles’ mandate to form a new government. The King had accepted the resignation of Liz Truss as prime minister moments earlier.
During his statement, Sunak appealed to the unity of the United Kingdom and assured that his country will make it a priority to address the economy. “Right now, our country is facing a deep economic crisis. The government I lead will not leave the next generation, its children and grandchildren, a debt that we were too weak to pay ourselves,” Sunak said.
He stressed that his efforts will also be aimed at uniting the Conservative Party and the nation. “This Government will have integrity, professionalism and responsibility at all levels. I am aware of the high office I have accepted and I hope to live up to its demands. When the opportunity to serve presents itself, you cannot question the timing, only your willingness,” added Rishi Sunak.
Despite Sunak’s statements, according to Efe, the first acid test will come on October 31, when the government will present its medium-term fiscal plan, with measures to balance public finances.
Meanwhile, the new prime minister is expected to appear before Parliament tomorrow, after possibly starting the formation of his cabinet of ministers this Tuesday.
Williams Perdomo es periodista y escritor, especializado en las fuentes Política y Cultura.