Challenges in the Life of Rishi Sunak in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Rishi Sunak. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Rishi Sunak is a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party from 2022 to 2024. After losing the 2024 general election to Keir Starmer, he briefly served as Leader of the Opposition. Prior to becoming Prime Minister, he was Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2020 to 2022 under Boris Johnson. He has been a Member of Parliament (MP) for Richmond and Northallerton, formerly Richmond (Yorks), since 2015.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

January 2020: Introduced travel advice for COVID-19

In late January 2020, in response to the first confirmed COVID-19 cases, Rishi Sunak introduced advice for travellers coming from affected countries and began contact tracing.

February 2020: Continued COVID-19 response

In February 2020, Rishi Sunak continued to address the first confirmed COVID-19 cases by continuing contact tracing.

March 2020: Introduced emergency support for businesses and the furlough scheme

In March 2020, Rishi Sunak introduced a program providing £330 billion in emergency support for businesses, as well as the Coronavirus Job Retention furlough scheme for employees, paying 80% of wages up to £2,500 per month.

March 2020: Government response to COVID-19 pandemic

On 23 March 2020, Rishi Sunak became prominent in the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact. On 20 March 2020, Sunak gave a statement on COVID-19.

June 2020: Furlough scheme extended

In June 2020, Rishi Sunak extended the furlough scheme until the end of June 2020.

July 2020: Unveiled spending plan including Eat Out to Help Out

In July 2020, Rishi Sunak unveiled a plan for a further £30 billion of spending, which included a stamp duty holiday, a cut to VAT for the hospitality sector, a job retention bonus for employers, and the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, which ran from 3 to 31 August.

July 2020: Delivered summer statement (coronavirus mini-budget)

On 8 July 2020, Rishi Sunak delivered the July 2020 summer statement (also known as the coronavirus mini-budget) to announce measures aimed at promoting economic recovery following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

September 2020: Scrapped autumn budget

In September 2020, Rishi Sunak announced that the autumn budget would be scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic, stating "now is not the right time to outline long-term plans".

September 2020: Delivered Winter Economy Plan

On 24 September 2020, Rishi Sunak delivered the Winter Economy Plan to promote economic recovery following the impact of COVID-19.

October 2020: Second lockdown in England

After a second lockdown in England on 31 October 2020, the Winter Economy Programme was extended several times, until 30 September 2021.

October 2020: Furlough scheme extended again

In late May, Rishi Sunak extended the furlough scheme until the end of October 2020 to avoid mass redundancies, bankruptcies, and high unemployment.

2020: Eat Out to Help Out Scheme and COVID-19 Infections

In 2020, Rishi Sunak introduced the "Eat Out to Help Out" scheme with mixed reception; some considered it a success for the hospitality industry, while others linked it to a rise in COVID-19 infections. Medical advisors claimed to have not been informed of the scheme until it was announced, while Rishi Sunak claims otherwise.

2020: Promotion to Chancellor of the Exchequer

In 2020, Rishi Sunak was promoted to Chancellor of the Exchequer and was prominent in the government's financial response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 2021: Furlough scheme extended once more

In March 2021, Rishi Sunak announced that the furlough scheme had been extended once more until September 2021.

March 2021: Emphasized the effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the economy in budget statement

In his March 2021 budget, Rishi Sunak emphasized the effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the economy. The budget also included an increase in the rate of corporation tax from 19% to 25% in 2023, a five-year freeze in the tax-free personal allowance and the higher rate income tax threshold, and the extension of the furlough scheme until the end of September.

September 2021: Extension of Winter Economy Programme ends

After a second lockdown in England on 31 October 2020, the Winter Economy Programme was extended several times, until 30 September 2021.

September 2021: End of furlough scheme

In March 2021, Rishi Sunak announced that the furlough scheme had been extended once more until September 2021.

May 2022: Intensified efforts to respond to cost of living and energy crises

In May 2022, Rishi Sunak intensified efforts to respond to the rising cost of living and energy crises with a £5 billion windfall tax on energy companies to help fund a £15 billion support package for the public.

July 2022: Candidacy Announcement for Leadership Election

In July 2022, Rishi Sunak announced his candidacy for the leadership election to replace Boris Johnson, promising to restore trust, rebuild the economy, and reunite the country. He outlined his values and policy pledges, including tax cuts contingent on controlled inflation, temporary VAT reduction on household energy, and stricter asylum definitions. Sunak emerged as one of the final two candidates.

July 2022: Resignation Amid Scandal

In July 2022, Rishi Sunak resigned as Chancellor of the Exchequer amidst a scandal involving sexual harassment allegations against Chris Pincher and Johnson's handling of the situation. His resignation was followed by numerous other ministers, contributing to a government crisis.

July 2022: Resignation and Leadership Election Loss

In July 2022, Rishi Sunak resigned as chancellor and subsequently lost the leadership election to Liz Truss.

May 2023: Local Election Losses

In May 2023, the Conservative Party experienced heavy losses in the local elections under Sunak's leadership.

June 2023: Rwanda Asylum Plan Blocked

In June 2023, Sunak's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda was blocked by the UK's Court of Appeal due to concerns over international law. Sunak vowed to appeal the verdict to the Supreme Court.

July 2023: By-Election Losses

In July 2023, the Conservatives lost two seats in by-elections to Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

November 2023: Supreme Court Ruling on Rwanda Plan and Subsequent Actions

In November 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the ruling against the Rwanda asylum plan. In response, Sunak sent Cleverly to negotiate a treaty with Rwanda and introduced the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill to Parliament. This led to the resignation of the minister for immigration, Robert Jenrick.

2023: Poor Performance in Local Elections

In 2023, the Conservative Party, led by Rishi Sunak, experienced poor performance in the local elections.

2023: Corporation tax rate increase

In March 2021, Rishi Sunak emphasized the effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the economy. The budget also included an increase in the rate of corporation tax from 19% to 25% in 2023

February 2024: Further By-Election Losses

In February 2024, the Conservatives lost two more seats in by-elections.

March 2024: Potential Leadership Challenge

In March 2024, there were suggestions that Sunak could face a leadership challenge before the upcoming general election if the Conservatives performed poorly at the local elections. Sunak stated he would resist any such challenge.