Rishi Sunak has become the United Kingdom's 57th prime minister, taking over from Liz Truss after her brief and tumultuous tenure. At 42, Sunak is the youngest person to hold the office in modern times, and the first non-white, Hindu prime minister in British history. His estimated £730 million fortune makes him wealthier than the monarch, a fact that has drawn criticism amid the country's cost-of-living crisis.
Sunak, a former chancellor, is widely regarded as a steady hand during economic turmoil. He was a vocal critic of Truss's mini-budget, which caused financial market instability and led to her resignation. In his leadership campaign, he promised to 'fix our economy, unite our party and deliver for our country.' He secured the backing of over 100 Conservative MPs, including Nadhim Zahawi and Priti Patel.
Born in Southampton in 1980 to Indian-origin parents, Sunak attended Winchester College, where he was head boy and played sports. He later studied philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford University. Despite his privileged education, he has spoken of his parents' dedication to serving their community, and he worked as a waiter during summer holidays. Critics, however, question his claims of a modest background.
Sunak's rise has been marked by a polished public image, with supporters praising his economic competence. His detractors point to his wealth as a sign of being out of touch. As he takes office, the nation watches to see how his policies will address the ongoing economic challenges.
