Rishi Sunak becomes Britain’s third Prime Minister in under two months when the country faces what he has termed a ‘profound economic challenge,’ and his Conservative Party is struggling to heal divisive wounds from months of infighting. Sunak has become the U.K.’s first prime minister of color and the first Hindu prime minister, both milestones in Britain’s evolution as a multicultural and multi-faith society. He now leads the Conservatives with a parliamentary majority inherited since the 2019 general election.
After Liz Truss’ imploded premiership in the role left the Conservative poll numbers sinking to historic lows the country had ever seen, Sunak will have around two years to restore trust and confidence among his legislators that his party can retain power at the next national vote after twelve years of leading the government.
“It is only right to explain why I am standing here as your new prime minister,” Sunak addressed the journalists outside No. 10 Downing Street’s famous front door after formally accepting his new role from King Charles during a meeting at Buckingham Palace. “Right now, our country is facing a profound economic crisis,” he added. “The aftermath of COVID still lingers.”
