Rishi Sunak is the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, known for being one of the wealthiest politicians in Westminster and the first leader of color in British history. Sunak took office after Liz Truss, who served a brief tenure of just 44 days.
What Led to His Rise in Politics?
Sunak’s rise to prominence in British politics began with his campaign to become Prime Minister following Boris Johnson’s resignation on July 7, 2022. His bid received significant endorsements from notable figures such as Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab and Transport Minister Grant Shapps. These endorsements helped solidify his position as a strong candidate within the Conservative Party.
What Positions Has He Held in the Government?
Rishi Sunak, 41, served as the Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2020 to 2022 and as the Chief Secretary to the Treasury from 2019 to 2020. A member of the Conservative Party, Sunak has been an MP for Richmond (Yorks) since 2015. His tenure as Chancellor was marked by his handling of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What Was His Role in the G20 Summit 2023?
As one of the heads of the 40 nations participating in the G20 Summit 2023, Rishi Sunak’s presence in India was significant. He arrived in New Delhi on September 7, ahead of the summit scheduled for September 9 and 10. His arrival was met with considerable attention, with many referring to him as “India’s son-in-law” due to his Indian heritage and marriage to Akshata Murthy.
What Is His Background and Early Life?
Rishi Sunak was born on May 12, 1980, in Southampton, Hampshire, to Indian parents Yashvir and Usha Sunak. His father was a general practitioner, and his mother was a pharmacist. Sunak’s grandparents were born in Punjab Province, British India, and emigrated to the UK in the 1960s from East Africa. Sunak is the eldest of three siblings, with a brother named Sanjay, a psychologist, and a sister named Rakhi, who works in the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office.
What Is His Educational Background?
Sunak attended Winchester College and later graduated from Lincoln College, Oxford. He also studied at Stanford University. During his summer holidays, he worked at a curry house in Southampton, showcasing his humble beginnings and work ethic.
What Was His Business Career Like?
Before entering politics, Sunak worked as an analyst at Goldman Sachs from 2001 to 2004. He then joined The Children’s Investment Fund Management, becoming a partner in 2006. Later, he joined Theleme Partners and served as the director of Catamaran Ventures, an investment firm owned by his father-in-law, N. R. Narayana Murthy.
How Did He Become a Frontrunner for Prime Minister?
Rishi Sunak announced his candidacy for the Conservative Party Leadership Election on July 8, 2022, following Boris Johnson’s resignation. Despite criticism from Johnson’s supporters, Sunak’s campaign was well-prepared, with domains like readyforrishi.com and ready4rishi.com registered months in advance.
What Has His Political Career Been Like?
In 2014, Sunak was chosen as the Conservative candidate for Richmond (Yorks), a seat historically held by the Conservative Party. He was elected as an MP in the 2015 General Election and re-elected in 2017 and 2019. Sunak served on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee and supported the EU referendum in 2016. He also played a role in policy development, advocating for free ports post-Brexit and the creation of a retail bond market for SMEs.
How Did He Handle the COVID-19 Pandemic as Chancellor?
Sunak’s tenure as Chancellor was marked by his response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He presented his first budget on March 11, 2020, which included £30 billion in additional spending, with £12 billion allocated for mitigating the pandemic’s economic impact. He introduced the job retention scheme and the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme, aimed at supporting the hospitality industry. While these measures received mixed reviews, they were pivotal in managing the economic crisis.
What Is His Personal Life Like?
Rishi Sunak is married to Akshata Murthy, the daughter of Indian billionaire N.R. Narayana Murthy. The couple has two daughters. Akshata runs her own fashion label and is among the wealthiest women in Britain. Her non-domiciled status and Sunak’s holding of a U.S. Permanent Resident Card have sparked media controversies, which they addressed by committing to pay UK taxes on global income.
How Did He Become Prime Minister?
Sunak’s announcement to run for Prime Minister came amid a tumultuous period in UK politics. Despite the criticism, his strategic campaign and substantial support within the Conservative Party led to his eventual victory, succeeding Liz Truss and becoming the first leader of color in British history. His leadership continues to shape the political landscape of the UK.