Rishi Sunak became the UK's first Indian-origin Prime Minister after former PM Boris Johnson pulled out of the leadership race in a surprise Sunday move. The British Conservative leader Penny Mordaunt also pulled out of the race to 10 Downing Street today, making way for Sunak to become the next Prime Minister.
Candidates are required to secure the support of at least 100 Conservative MPs by 1300 GMT or 6:30 PM IST. Mr Sunak crossed that threshold by Friday night and amassed nearly 200 public nominations from Tory lawmakers.
Here are the Highlights on UK Prime Minister Contest:
Warmest congratulations @RishiSunak! As you become UK PM, I look forward to working closely together on global issues, and implementing Roadmap 2030. Special Diwali wishes to the 'living bridge' of UK Indians, as we transform our historic ties into a modern partnership.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 24, 2022
Rishi Sunak, the third Prime Minister the UK had in seven months, called it the "Greatest privilege of my life".
"I want to fix our economy, unite our party and deliver for our country," the Indian-origin former chancellor had said in a short statement. Read more
Rishi Sunak is one of the wealthiest politicians in Westminster with a net worth of over 700 million pounds. The former Goldman Sachs analyst will be the first person of Indian origin to enter 10 Downing as the Prime Minister.
The pound jumped briefly on news that Mr Sunak was the only remaining candidate but soon returned to previous levels.
With the appointment as the leader of the Conservative Party, Rishi Sunak has joined the list of India-origin world leaders who hold key roles.
The 42-year-old Indian-origin leader's appointment was announced by the 1922 Committee chair, Sir Graham Brady.
Here's a look at other world leaders of Indian origin in key roles:
Indian-origin Rishi Sunak who was elected as the leader of the Conservative Party is all set to become the next Prime Minister of the UK.
Rishi Sunak in his campaigns has talked about fixing the UK economy which is in crisis. The 42-year-old former finance minister of the UK will make a formal announcement soon after being elected as the next Prime Minister.
News Agency AFP earlier reported that European stocks and pound climbed as markets awaited confirmation of Mr Sunak's elevation.
Rishi Sunak was first elected as a member of Parliament from Richmond (Yorks) constituency in 2015 and re-elected in 2017 and 2019.
In February 2020, he was appointed as the Chancellor of the Exchequer in Boris Johnson's cabinet, a position he held till July this year.
"Rishi Sunak is therefore elected as leader of the Conservative Party," senior backbencher Graham Brady said, as Mordaunt vowed her "full support" for the former finance minister.
Penny Mordaunt drops out of the Tory leadership race and backs Rishi Sunak
- Penny Mordaunt (@PennyMordaunt) October 24, 2022
Ms Braverman said, "we need unity, stability, and efficiency, and Rishi Sunak is the only candidate that fits the bill and I am proud to support him."
Rishi Sunak was backed by another Indian-origin former minister Priti Patel.
Rishi Sunak already has the backing of 142 members of parliament while Penny Mordaunt has the support of 29. If the latter cannot earn the backing of 100 MPs, Mr Sunak would win the Tory leadership and by default, become the next UK PM.
Ahead of that possibility, here's a look at some controversies that have marred Mr Sunak. Read more
Many Indians are delighted at the prospect of Rishi Sunak becoming the first person of Indian origin to become British prime minister on Monday, just as Hindus across the world celebrate Diwali.
Boris Johnson pulled out of the prime ministerial race late on Sunday, boosting Sunak's chances of taking the top job and replacing his Conservative party leadership rival Liz Truss, who quit after a month and a half as her support evaporated. Read more
Priti Patel, a loyalist of former British prime minister Boris Johnson, on Monday came out in support of Rishi Sunak to take over at 10 Downing Street as the Conservative Party leader after her former boss withdrew from the leadership contest.
The Indian-origin former home secretary, who resigned from the Cabinet when Liz Truss was elected the Prime Minister last month, said the Tories must put political differences aside to give Sunak the best chance of succeeding as the new leader.
Her intervention came as the former chancellor looks well poised as the frontrunner to make history as the first Indian-origin Prime Minister of the UK, with publicly voiced support for Leader of the Commons Penny Mordaunt still well short of the 100-MPs threshold. Read more
