Rishi Sunak has said that stability and unity will be the top priority of his Government
Rishi Sunak, who will become the next Prime Minister of United Kingdom (U.K.) has said that stability and unity will be the top priority of his Government.
Sunak was confirmed as the next Prime Minister of U.K. after the only other contender – Penny Mordaunt, conceded after failing to meet the threshold of nominations from lawmakers required to progress to the next stage. Mordaunt came under pressure to unite behind Sunak after former Prime Minister – Boris Johnson withdrew from the contest on Sunday, i.e., October 23, 2022.
The 42 years old Sunak would be the first Indian to hold the highest position in the U.K. He would also be the youngest Prime Minister for more than 200 years. He will soon be formally appointed as the Prime Minister by King Charles III. He replaces Liz Truss, following her resignation just 45 days into her tumultuous premiership last week.
Congratulating Sunak, Liz Truss tweeted,
Congratulations @RishiSunak on being appointed as Leader of the Conservative Party and our next Prime Minister.
— Liz Truss (@trussliz) October 24, 2022
You have my full support.
Sunak promised to serve with integrity and thanked outgoing Prime Minister – Liz Truss for leading the country during exceptionally difficult circumstances.
Speaking on the occasion, Sunak said, “The United Kingdom is a great country but there is no doubt we face a profound economic challenge. We now need stability and unity and I will make it my utmost priority to bring our party and our country together.”
After chairing her final cabinet meeting at 09:00 a.m. British Summer Time (BST), Liz Truss will make a statement outside No 10 before travelling to Buckingham Palace for her final audience with the King. This will be followed by Mr Sunak’s first audience with the monarch, during which he will be invited to form a Government. He will then travel to Downing Street to make a statement at about 11:35 a.m. BST, before entering No10.
The President of United States (U.S.) – Joe Biden will call Sunak to congratulate him after his meeting with King Charles III. Sunak will take office as the 3rd Conservative Prime Minister since the party won the last general election in 2019, prompting Labour to lead calls for an early general election as a result.
He said that Conservative Party, trailing Labour in the polls by huge margins, is facing an existential threat, but could win the next election by uniting. Sunak’s message to the Party was “unite or die”, as they focus on delivering on the public’s priorities during a cost-of-living crisis. The next general election is not due to take place until January 2025 at the latest.
