There are many other firsts in Sunak’s story. He became an MP on May 7, 2015, was appointed parliamentary under-secretary for local government on January 9, 2018 and promoted to chief secretary to the treasury on July 24 the following year. Sunak became the second most powerful man in government when he was promoted a third time, to chancellor of the exchequer (finance minister) on February 13, 2019.
And now, within just seven years and five months of stepping into politics, Sunak has got the top job in the country. A meteoric rise and yet another first in British history for Sunak beats former British prime minister David Cameron to become the youngest PM of Britain in 200 years. Sunak is also the first ever British PM of colour and the first Hindu and first non-Christian leader of the UK.
Getting to know Rishi Sunak
A self-confessed Star Wars fanatic; a Peloton riding/ gym fanatic; a teetotaller; follows his Hindu faith openly, even being the first to light diyas on Downing Street while celebrating Diwali as chancellor of the exchequer. He is also a Southampton Football Club supporter.
Sunak is a perfect representation of British children of immigrant families. As he says himself, “In terms of cultural upbringing, I’d be at the temple at the weekend—I’m a Hindu—but I’d be at the Saints game (Southampton Football Club) as well on a Saturday. You do everything, you do both.”
Sunak took his oath on the Bhagavad Gita when he became an MP and wore a ‘mouli’ (sacred red thread) while meeting King Charles III recently. People of both Indian and British origin identify with him. “Rishi is Brit, and the relationship with India and the relation he brings as prime minister is a bonus. He is a true born Englishman with a very British education. Born into an NHS (National Health Service) family, Oxford University [educated] like me. He brings many facets because of his heritage. I see the affinity he has and the close ties with India as a bonus,” former health secretary Matt Hancock had said in an exclusive interview with INDIA TODAY when Sunak contested and lost the race to 10 Downing Street the first-time round. “His style of leadership is diligent and thoughtful, which makes it easy to support him, not only when he’s making decisions you agree with but even when he’s making decisions you don’t.”
Read More at https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/the-rise-of-rishi-sunak-what-british-society-thinks-of-their-new-pm-2290874-2022-10-29