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Premiership of Rishi Sunak 25 October 2022 – present
Monarch	Charles III
Cabinet	Sunak ministry
Party	Conservative Party
Seat	10 Downing Street
← Liz Truss

This article is part of a series aboutRishi Sunak
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v t e

Rishi Sunak's tenure as prime minister of the United Kingdom began on 25 October 2022 when he accepted an invitation from King Charles III to form a government, succeeding Liz Truss. He is the first British Asian and Hindu to hold the office of prime minister. Sunak assumed office amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine and amid the cost of living crisis, which began during his tenure as chancellor of the Exchequer under Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Truss defeated Sunak in the July-September 2022 Conservative Party leadership election. Following her resignation amid a government crisis, Sunak was elected unopposed to succeed her after being the sole nominee in the October 2022 Conservative Party leadership election. He was elected leader of the Conservative Party on 24 October and was appointed prime minister the following day. He has authorised foreign aid and weapons shipments to Ukraine in response to the Russian invasion of the country.

Shortly after the start of his premiership, Sunak was criticised for appointing Gavin Williamson and Dominic Raab to the cabinet after both men were accused of bullying, though both deny the claims. Williamson resigned from the cabinet and Raab is subject to an independent investigation after further complaints were made regarding his behaviour. Sunak was also criticised for reappointing Suella Braverman as Home Secretary after she resigned from the position on 19 October and after she admitted two breaches of the ministerial code through sending confidential material by a private email account. Sunak has also been criticised for his appointment of Nadhim Zahawi as Chairman of the Conservative Party due to allegations that Zahawi had engaged in tax avoidance. Sunak asked Laurie Magnus to investigate the allegations; Sunak subsequently sacked Zahawi after Magnus found that he had made a “serious breach” of the ministerial code. Sunak said that his appointments to the government " a unified party and a cabinet with significant experience."

In January 2023, Sunak was issued a fixed penalty noticefor him failing to wear a seat belt in a moving vehicle was.

Conservative leadership bids

July–September 2022

Sunak stood in the July–September 2022 Conservative Party leadership election to replace Boris Johnson, after his resignation amid a government crisis. Announcing his decision to stand in a social media video, Sunak said he wanted to "restore trust, rebuild the economy and reunite the country", and said that his values are "patriotism, fairness, and hard work." His pledges during the campaign included tax cuts only when inflation was under control, scrapping of the 5% VAT rate on household energy for one year, introducing a temporary £10 fine for patients who fail to attend GP appointments, capping of refugee numbers, and a tightening of the definition of asylum.

Sunak and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss emerged as the final two candidates in the contest on 20 July to be put forward to the membership for the final leadership vote; he had received the most votes in each of the series of MP votes with Sunak receiving 137 to Truss's 113 in the final round. In the membership vote, Truss received 57.4% of the vote, making her the new leader over Sunak.

October 2022

Following the resignation of Truss after another government crisis, Sunak stood in the October 2022 Conservative Party leadership election and formally launched his bid to become Leader of the Conservative Party on 23 October 2022. Sunak was backed by several cabinet members and prominent party members, such as Lord Frost, Kemi Badenoch, Nadhim Zahawi, Matt Hancock, Sajid Javid, Jeremy Hunt, Tom Tugendhat, and Dominic Raab.

There were two other candidates actively seeking nominations: Boris Johnson and Penny Mordaunt. However, Johnson announced that evening that he would not declare his candidacy and Mordaunt withdrew hers on 24 October. It was subsequently announced by Sir Graham Brady of the 1922 Committee that as the sole candidate who had received the required 100 nominations, Sunak had been elected as the new party leader.

Premiership

Sunak was appointed Prime Minister of the United Kingdom by King Charles III on 25 October 2022, making him the first British Asian prime minister and the first Hindu to hold the office. In his first speech as prime minister, Sunak promised “integrity, professionalism and accountability,” and said that "we will create a future worthy of the sacrifices so many have made and fill tomorrow, and everyday thereafter with hope." Of his predecessor, Sunak said that Truss "was not wrong" to want to improve growth, but admitted that "some mistakes were made", and that he was elected prime minister in part to fix them. He promised to "place economic stability and confidence at the heart of this government's agenda".

Initial appointments

Sunak began appointing his cabinet on 25 October 2022. Jeremy Hunt remained as chancellor, a role he was given during the Truss ministry after Kwasi Kwarteng was dismissed on 14 October. Dominic Raab was also re-appointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, both roles he was given during the premiership of Boris Johnson. James Cleverly remained as Foreign Secretary with Suella Braverman returning as Secretary of State for the Home Department, a role from which she had previously resigned during the Truss ministry. Ben Wallace remained as Secretary of State for Defence, a role he had held throughout the Johnson and Truss ministries. Michael Gove returned as Levelling Up Secretary, a role he was sacked from by Johnson, and Grant Shapps was demoted from Home Secretary to Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Penny Mordaunt remained as Leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the Council, roles which she had held during the Truss ministry.

Other key appointments include Simon Hart as Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury and Chief Whip of the House of Commons, Nadhim Zahawi as Party Chairman, Oliver Dowden as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Thérèse Coffey as Environment Secretary, Mel Stride as Work and Pensions Secretary and Mark Harper as Transport Secretary.

Sunak was criticised for the appointments of Gavin Williamson and Dominic Raab to the cabinet. Both were accused of bullying, a charge they both denied. Williamson resigned after allegations that he used improper language to former Chief Whip Wendy Morton and had bullied several staffers during his time as a Cabinet minister under Theresa May. Raab faces an independent investigation into complaints arising from his prior tenures as Lord Chancellor and Foreign Secretary under Boris Johnson, and currently faces over 8 alleged cases of bullying. Sunak was also criticised for returning Braverman to the cabinet, despite her previously resigning due to an alleged security breach when Braverman shared secure information with a colleague. The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Select Committee was strongly critical of Braverman's reappointment. The committee stated "To allow this (...) does not inspire confidence in the integrity of government nor offer much incentive to proper conduct in future." Sunak said that his appointments to the government "reflects a unified party and a cabinet with significant experience."

Political positions

Sunak is widely regarded as a pro business moderate and on the centre-ground of the Conservative Party. Unlike his predecessor Liz Truss, Sunak is considered less libertarian.

October–December 2022

On 26 October, Sunak answered his first Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs). The same day Sunak also held his first cabinet meeting.

On 27 October, Sunak announced he would not attend the COP27 climate summit in Egypt "due to other pressing domestic commitments". On 2 November 2022, following pressure from MPs, environmentalist campaigners and others, Sunak announced that he would attend. Sunak attended a reception held by King Charles at Buckingham Palace on 4 November. Sunak told the meeting of approximately 200 politicians and campaigners that the UK will continue with its environmental aims after the end of its COP 26 presidency. In his speech Sunak warned that as climate change ravages the planet there will be more human suffering and that because of inaction, people risk giving their children a desperate inheritance. Sunak also paid tribute to King Charles's longstanding work for the environment.

On 7 November at the COP 27 summit, Sunak launched The Forest and Climate Leaders' Partnership (FCLP), building on a policy called the Glasgow Climate Pact, originally started at COP 26. The partnership aims to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030, bringing 26 countries and the European Union together. These countries account for 60% of global GDP and over 33% of the world's forests and together with private funding, the partnership has total funds of $23.8bn. Sunak said in his speech to the Forest and Climate Leaders' Summit that the world's forests have been undervalued and underestimated, yet were one of the natural wonders of the world. He then asked attendees to build upon what had already been achieved to secure an incredible legacy for generations to come. The FCLP will hold annual meetings and starting in 2023, it will publish an annual Global Progress Report that includes independent assessments.

Following the 15 November missile explosion in Poland, Sunak met U.S. President Joe Biden and delivered a speech. Sunak later met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and pledged to give Ukraine £50 million in aid. After meeting Zelenskyy, Sunak said: "I am proud of how the UK stood with Ukraine from the very beginning. And I am here today to say the UK and our allies will continue to stand with Ukraine, as it fights to end this barbarous war and deliver a just peace." In November 2022 the Bank of England feared the UK would experience prolonged recession and feared unemployment would probably double to 6.5%.

The first by-election of Sunak's premiership, took place on 1 December, in the City of Chester constituency and it resulted in a 12% swing from the Conservatives. Also in December, Sunak was faced with the need to make concessions on a proposed ban on onshore wind farms to be contained in the government's Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. A number Conservative MPs, including Johnson and Truss, said they would back a rebel amendment to the bill that would remove the ban. At the same time, there was the threat of another rebellion and need to make concessions related to housebuilding targets. Many Conservative MP's do not intend to contest the next general election; Sajid Javid, Matt Hancock, and several other Conservative MP's plan to stand down at the next general election.

In December 2022, Sunak said it was "completely unacceptable" that ordinary people were having their lives disrupted by environmental protests. He stated that police commanders had his full support "to suppress any unlawful protest". He also promised to bring in new laws to tackle illegal immigration, saying anyone who comes to the UK illegally will not be allowed to stay. On 14 December 2022, eight complaints were being formally investigated over Dominic Raab's alleged bullying. Labour's Angela Rayner stated she believes Sunak was weak and though Sunak knew Raab’s reputation, he chose Raab as deputy Prime Minister. Liberal Democrat Daisy Cooper stated allegations against Raab had increased and his position was getting increasingly untenable. Cooper wanted Sunak to make Raab step down during the investigation and promise Raab "won’t be reappointed if they are upheld."The Independent published an opinion poll that month which suggested that Sunak could lose his seat if polling results found then were duplicated in a general election.

2023

In January 2023 a YouGov poll found 60% of Britons viewed Sunak unfavourably, and 34% viewed him very unfavourably.

Seatbelt incident

In January 2023, Sunak was issued a fixed penalty notice by Lancashire Constabulary after a social media video of him failing to wear a seat belt in a moving vehicle was published. Downing Street said Sunak made a “brief error of judgment”. It was the second time Sunak got a fixed penalty notice while in government. In April 2022, he was received one in relation to Partygate.

Nadhim Zahawi

On 29 January 2023, Sunak dismissed Nadhim Zahawi, the Conservative Party chairman, after an inquiry by the Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests, Sir Laurie Magnus inquiry found that Zahawi’s actions in relation to his tax affairs were a “serious breach” of the ministerial code.

International prime ministerial trips

Sunak has made four international trips to five countries during his premiership.

	Country	Location	Date	Details
1	Egypt	Sharm El Sheikh	6–7 November	Sunak attended the high level segment of COP27.
2	Indonesia	Bali	14–16 November	Sunak attended the 2022 G20 summit.
3	Ukraine	Kyiv	19 November	Sunak travelled to Kyiv to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and pledged £50 million in aid.
4	Latvia	Riga	19 December	Sunak attended a Joint Expeditionary Force leaders summit.
	Estonia	Tallinn		Sunak met with British troops.

Notes

References

1. "Rishi Sunak: A quick guide to the UK's new prime minister". BBC News. 25 October 2022. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
2. "Watch as Sunak declared Tory contest winner". BBC News. 24 October 2022. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
3. "Rishi Sunak: The wealthy millennial who rocketed to power". BBC News. 25 October 2022. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
4. "Sunak under pressure amid reports second cabinet minister faces bullying allegations". The Independent. 11 November 2022. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
5. "Dominic Raab facing inquiry into two behaviour complaints". BBC News. 16 November 2022. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
6. Braverman admits using private emails for official papers six times BBC
7. ^ "Nadhim Zahawi sacked as Tory party chair over tax affairs". the Guardian. 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
8. "Ex-Chancellor Rishi Sunak launches bid to be Conservative leader". BBC News. 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
9. "Liz Truss to be UK's new PM as Sunak defeated – live". The Independent. 5 September 2022. Retrieved 5 September 2022.
10. Penna, Dominic (23 October 2022). "Boris Johnson pulls out of Tory leadership race but Penny Mordaunt will not withdraw". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
11. "Rishi Sunak warns UK faces 'profound economic challenge' as he wins race to become PM". Sky News. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
12. "New Tory leader Rishi Sunak says party facing 'existential threat'". The Guardian. 24 October 2022. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
13. "Rishi Sunak's first speech as Prime Minister". www.conservatives.com. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
14. "Sunak under pressure amid reports second cabinet minister faces bullying allegations". The Independent. 11 November 2022. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
15. "Gavin Williamson resigns after chief whip messages scandal". The Guardian. 8 November 2022. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
16. "Dominic Raab facing inquiry into two behaviour complaints". BBC News. 16 November 2022. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
17. "Dominic Raab: Five more complaints about justice secretary being investigated, No 10 says". BBC News. 14 December 2022. Retrieved 5 January 2023.
18. Merrick, Rob (26 October 2022). "Inquiry demanded into Braverman's shock cabinet return after sacking over security breach". The Independent.
19. Braverman return sets ‘dangerous precedent’, says Commons committee The Guardian. 2 December 2022
20. Suella Braverman reappointment sets dangerous precedent - MPs BBC. 2 December 2022
21. "Rishi Sunak claims new cabinet 'reflects a unified party' as Suella Braverman and Michael Gove make shock comebacks". Sky News. 26 October 2022. Retrieved 26 October 2022.
22. Carlo, Andrea (24 October 2022). "Who is soon-to-be UK PM Rishi Sunak and what does he stand for?". euronews. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
23. "Tentative business welcome for Sunak amid deepening economic gloom". The Guardian. 24 October 2022. Retrieved 26 October 2022.
24. ""Now Is The Time To...": Rishi Sunak's Pledge At His 1st Cabinet Meeting". NDTV. 26 October 2022. Retrieved 27 October 2022.
25. "British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pulls out of COP27 climate summit". CNN. 27 October 2022. Retrieved 27 October 2022.
26. "Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer clash over immigration centre scandal at PMQs – UK politics live". The Guardian. 2 November 2022. Retrieved 2 November 2022.
27. ^ Rannard, Georgina (4 November 2022). "COP27: King Charles hosts meeting ahead of climate summit". The BBC. Retrieved 4 November 2022.
28. ^ "World Leaders Launch Forests and Climate Leaders' Partnership to accelerate momentum to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030". GOV.UK. 7 November 2022. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
29. ^ Harvey, Fiona; Greenfield, Patrick (7 November 2022). "Sunak extends UK support for saving forests – but will not give more funding". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
30. House, The White (16 November 2022). "Readout of President Joe Biden's Meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom". The White House. Retrieved 20 November 2022.
31. "Ukraine war: Rishi Sunak visits President Zelensky in Kyiv as he pledges £50m in aid". BBC News. 19 November 2022. Retrieved 20 November 2022.
32. Gilchrist, Karen. "UK faces longest recession since records began, Bank of England says". CNBC. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
33. "Chester by-election: Sunak fails first by-election test, says Rayner". BBC News. 1 December 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
34. "Labour Holds Chester In By-Election Blow To Tories". HuffPost UK. 2 December 2022. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
35. ^ British PM Sunak faces new demands from his fractious party Reuters
36. ^ "Rishi Sunak warned he has 'six months' to get a grip as rebellions grow". The Independent. 28 November 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
37. "Sajid Javid to stand down as MP at next election". BBC News. 2 December 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
38. "Sunak pledges more police powers to tackle 'completely unacceptable' protests". Saffron Walden Reporter.
39. "In full: Rishi Sunak promises new laws to stop illegal migration and 'spurious' appeals". Retrieved 14 December 2022.
40. Dominic Raab bullying: Five further formal complaints filed against deputy prime minister The Independent
41. "Rishi Sunak would lose seat and Labour set for 314-seat majority, poll finds". The Independent. 13 December 2022. Retrieved 14 December 2022.
42. First poll of 2023 shows Rishi Sunak favourability at -29 YouGov
43. "Rishi Sunak fined for not wearing seatbelt in back of car". BBC News. 20 January 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2023.
44. Police looking into Sunak’s failure to wear a seatbelt The Guardian
45. Rishi Sunak fined for not wearing seatbelt in back of car BBC
46. "UK's Sunak to attend COP27 climate talks". POLITICO. 2 November 2022. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
47. "Ukraine war: Rishi Sunak visits President Zelensky in Kyiv". BBC News. 19 November 2022. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
48. "Rishi Sunak to meet UK troops in Estonia and attend Baltic summit". The Guardian. 18 December 2022. Retrieved 19 December 2022.

v t e Rishi Sunak
Leader of the Opposition (2024) 57th Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2022–2024) 18th Leader of the Conservative Party (2022–2024) Chancellor of the Exchequer (2020–2022) 33rd Chief Secretary to the Treasury (2019–2020) Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Government (2018–2019) MP for Richmond and Northallerton (2024–present) MP for Richmond (Yorks) (2015–2024)
Premiership	Ministry Chancellorship of Jeremy Hunt November 2022 autumn statement 2023 budget November 2023 autumn statement March 2024 budget Cost-of-living crisis Industrial disputes Postal workers' strikes Railway strikes NHS strikes War in Ukraine 2023 visit by Volodymyr Zelenskyy May 2023 European visits by Volodymyr Zelenskyy 2023 cabinet reshuffles February November David Cameron as Foreign Secretary Windsor Framework Lockdown Files Coronation of Charles III and Camilla 2023 G7 summit 2023 AI Safety Summit English Channel migrant crossings "Stop the boats" Rwanda asylum plan Illegal Migration Act 2023 Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024 War in Israel 2023 State Opening of Parliament Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024 2024 G7 summit 2024 Conservative manifesto International trips Election betting scandal Leadership succession
Chancellorship	COVID-19 pandemic government response economic impact lockdown vaccinations contracts contract controversies Eat Out to Help Out furlough scheme Partygate July 2022 government crisis inquiry Budgets and statements 2020 budget July 2020 summer statement Winter Economy Plan March 2021 budget October 2021 budget
Electoral history	September 2022 Party leadership election October 2022 Party leadership election 2024 general election
Family	Akshata Murty (wife) N. R. Narayana Murthy (father-in-law) Sudha Murty (mother-in-law)
Related	Shadow Cabinet Opposition frontbench Kirby Sigston Manor (constituency home) Spitting Image This England Partygate (TV drama)
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