The personal fortune of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty has surged to an astonishing £651 million, according to the latest Sunday Times Rich List published this weekend.
The couple's wealth has grown by more than £120 million over the past year alone, cementing their position among Britain's wealthiest families. This significant increase comes despite Mr Sunak's tenure at Downing Street during a period of economic challenges for many British households.
Family Business Success Drives Wealth Growth
The substantial wealth is largely derived from Ms Murty's stake in Infosys, the Indian IT giant founded by her father, Narayana Murthy. The company's strong performance has contributed significantly to the family's growing fortune.
Mr Sunak, who represents the Richmond constituency in North Yorkshire, has faced previous scrutiny over his family's financial arrangements. Last year, it emerged that Ms Murty had non-dom status, which allowed her to avoid UK tax on her overseas income, though she later voluntarily agreed to pay UK taxes on her worldwide wealth.
Political Context and Public Perception
The revelation comes at a sensitive time for the Conservative government, with many families across the country experiencing financial pressure due to the ongoing cost of living crisis. The Prime Minister's substantial personal wealth has frequently been highlighted by political opponents who question his ability to relate to ordinary voters' financial struggles.
Despite the family's enormous wealth, Mr Sunak has consistently defended his understanding of economic challenges facing the country, pointing to his background as a former Chancellor of the Exchequer during the pandemic.
The Sunday Times Rich List, an annual compilation of Britain's wealthiest individuals, continues to generate significant public interest and political commentary, particularly when it involves serving politicians and their families.
