Rishi Sunak: The Dynamic Journey of the Youngest British-Indian Prime Minister

Rishi Sunak, at the youthful age of 42, assumed the role of Prime Minister, establishing himself as the youngest individual to hold this prestigious office in modern times. He also made history as the first British-Indian to become Prime Minister. Sunak’s journey is a testament to the aspirations and determination of first-generation immigrants, who worked tirelessly to provide him with the opportunity for an elite education at Winchester College, where he even served as head boy.

Before venturing into politics, Sunak gained valuable experience while working in California and at the renowned investment bank, Goldman Sachs, and two multibillion-dollar hedge funds. His diverse background also includes being a self-proclaimed “huge Star Wars fan,” boasting a significant collection of lightsabers. Often depicted as a “geek,” Sunak opts for Mexican Coca-Cola over alcohol, citing its use of “cane sugar rather than high fructose corn syrup.”

Colleagues recognize him as a meticulous individual, consistently the most well-informed person in any meeting he attends. His ascent to the position of Prime Minister occurred under exceptional circumstances. Following the tumultuous end of Boris Johnson’s premiership, he entered the role to bring stability to the government.

Sunak now faces the challenge of rebranding himself as an agent of change, someone capable of making difficult, long-term decisions. With the Conservative Party trailing significantly behind Labour in opinion polls and a looming election expected before January 2025, he confronts a formidable task to secure his continued tenure.

Born in Southampton in 1980, Sunak’s parents arrived in the UK from East Africa and share Indian heritage. His father worked as a general practitioner, while his mother operated her pharmacy. Sunak’s cultural upbringing encompassed both Hindu temple visits on weekends and attending Southampton Football Club games on Saturdays, a testament to his multicultural experiences.

While racism was not a pervasive issue during his upbringing, he recalls one incident that left a lasting impression. During a visit to a fast-food restaurant with his younger siblings, he faced unpleasant comments from nearby patrons, an experience that deeply affected him. Despite this, he believes such incidents are less likely to happen in today’s UK.

Sunak’s academic journey took him to Winchester College, followed by studies in philosophy, politics, and economics at Oxford University. He continued his educational pursuits with an MBA at Stanford University in California, where he met his future wife. Together, they have two daughters.

His rapid ascent in British politics commenced in 2015 when he became a Member of Parliament, representing the solid Conservative stronghold of Richmond in North Yorkshire. Critics have often scrutinized his personal wealth, arguing that it disconnects him from the lives of the majority of voters. Alongside his wife, Akshata Murty, daughter of Indian billionaire Narayana Murthy, they possess an estimated wealth exceeding £700 million. To alleviate political pressure, Murty committed to paying UK taxes on her income.

Sunak’s political profile rose during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during his role as Chancellor, where he authorized substantial expenditures for the furlough scheme and other support initiatives. He also introduced the controversial Eat Out to Help Out scheme. His popularity surged during this time, but he also found himself entangled in the Partygate controversies, facing fines for attending one of the gatherings.

Despite a 70-seat majority inherited from his predecessor, Sunak has had to grapple with significant challenges. He set forth five promises to voters at the start of the year, but progress on these fronts has been slow. Waiting lists for NHS treatment have grown, and inflation has receded more gradually than expected.

Sunak has altered the government’s approach to achieving net zero by 2050 by delaying a ban on new petrol and diesel cars, a decision aimed at winning over motorists and those concerned about the personal sacrifices required to reach net zero. Additionally, he has scaled back the HS2 high-speed rail project, seeking to convey decisiveness in his actions.

As a general election looms on the horizon, Sunak hopes that his first conference speech as Tory leader and Prime Minister will not be his last, as he grapples with the complexities and challenges of leadership.