Introduction
Rishi Sunak, born on 12 May 1980, is a British politician who served as the 57th Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2022 to 2024. As a member of the Conservative Party, he gained prominence in British politics for his role as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2020 to 2022. Sunak became the leader of the Conservative Party and, subsequently, the Prime Minister following the resignation of Liz Truss in 2022. Notably, he is the first non-white, first British Indian, first Punjabi, and first Hindu person to occupy the office of the Prime Minister in the UK.

Early Life and Education

• Worked at Goldman Sachs before entering politics.
• Born on 12 May 1980 in Southampton to Indian parents of Punjabi descent.
• Attended Winchester College, one of the UK’s leading private schools.
• Studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) at Lincoln College, Oxford.
• Graduated as a Fulbright Scholar from Stanford University in the United States.

Political Career

• Resigned from Chancellor’s position in July 2022 over disagreements with Boris Johnson’s leadership.
• Elected as MP for Richmond (Yorks) in the 2015 general election.
• Served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Government in Theresa May’s government.
• Appointed Chief Secretary to the Treasury under Boris Johnson.
• Became Chancellor of the Exchequer in February 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chancellor of the Exchequer
In February 2020, Sunak replaced Sajid Javid as Chancellor of the Exchequer. His tenure as Chancellor coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and he was instrumental in shaping the UK government’s economic response. His economic policies, including the furlough scheme, were designed to support businesses and workers during the nationwide lockdowns. Despite these efforts, Sunak faced criticism after breaking lockdown regulations in 2022, becoming the first Chancellor in British history to be penalized for breaking the law while in office. He resigned from his position on 5 July 2022 in protest against the leadership of Boris Johnson.

2022 Conservative Leadership Election
Following Johnson’s resignation, Sunak announced his candidacy to replace him as the leader of the Conservative Party. His campaign gained significant support, and after a tough contest, he reached the final round of voting against Liz Truss. However, Truss won the leadership battle in September 2022. Just weeks later, she resigned as Prime Minister after facing severe challenges, and Sunak, who had remained a strong contender, became the new Conservative Party leader on 24 October 2022.

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

• Conceded defeat in the 2024 election after the Conservative Party lost the majority.
• Appointed Prime Minister on 25 October 2022 after Liz Truss’s resignation.
• First non-white, first British Indian, first Punjabi, and first Hindu Prime Minister of the UK.
• Became the youngest Prime Minister since William Pitt the Younger at age 42.
• Announced the 2024 general election to be held on 4 July 2024.

2024 General Election and Resignation
In May 2024, Sunak announced that a general election would take place on 4 July 2024. The election results were marked by a historic number of Conservative MPs losing their seats, signaling the waning popularity of his government. Labour emerged victorious in the election, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. Sunak, acknowledging the party’s defeat, announced his resignation as Prime Minister on 5 July 2024, apologizing to Conservative voters and pledging to step down as party leader once a new successor was chosen.

Personal Life
Rishi Sunak is married to Akshata Murty, the daughter of Indian billionaire businessman Narayana Murthy. They have two children and live in a manor house in Kirby Sigston, North Yorkshire. Sunak’s family also owns properties in London and a penthouse in Santa Monica, California. He is known for his private life, which contrasts with the public scrutiny of his political career. Sunak and his wife have been vocal advocates for philanthropic causes and community development.

Legacy and Influence
Rishi Sunak’s time as Prime Minister, though brief, represents a pivotal moment in UK history. His leadership, the challenges he faced, and his resignation after a significant electoral defeat will continue to shape the Conservative Party’s future. His position as the first British Indian Prime Minister broke longstanding racial and cultural barriers, inspiring many who view his ascent as a testament to the changing face of British politics.