• October 26, 2022

Rishi Sunak takes charge as first Indian-origin UK PM; aims to unite divided party with cabinet ‘of all talents’

LONDON Oct 25:Rishi Sunak on Tuesday took charge as Britain’s first Indian-origin Prime Minister with a promise to put the crisis-hit country’s needs “above politics” and “fix the mistakes” made by his predecessor, a day after he was elected the leader of the Conservative Party in a historic leadership run.

The 42-year-old investment banker-turned politician is the youngest British prime minister in 210 years. He is also Britain’s first Hindu Prime Minister.

In his first address at the doorstep of 10 Downing Street in London after meeting King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, the new Prime Minister said that he takes over at a time when the UK is facing a “profound economic crisis” as it deals with the aftermath of COVID and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Determined to end months of internecine warfare and vowing to build a “government of all the talents”, the new prime minister on Tuesday pursued a delicate balancing act as he picked his new cabinet, Financial Times reported.

A striking number of cabinet ministers remained in their post or returned to jobs they had previously held. One senior Downing Street official said three themes underpinned this decision.

“Unity by drawing on the best talent across the party. Experience — we are in serious times, we need people with experience. And continuity — given challenges we face as a nation, you’ll see continuity in some key roles,” the official said.