Early Life and Education of Rishi Sunak: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Rishi Sunak. From birth to education, explore key events.

Rishi Sunak is a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2022 to 2024. He also served as Leader of the Conservative Party during the same period, subsequently becoming Leader of the Opposition following the 2024 election defeat to the Labour Party. Prior to becoming Prime Minister, he was Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2020 to 2022 under Boris Johnson. He has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for Richmond and Northallerton since 2015.

Sections (6)

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

1935: Paternal grandfather migrated to Nairobi

In 1935, Rishi Sunak's paternal grandfather Ramdas Sunak migrated from Gujranwala to Nairobi.

1966: Parents migrated to the UK

In 1966, both of Rishi Sunak's parents moved to the UK.

1977: Parents Married

In 1977, Rishi Sunak's parents got married in the UK.

May 1980: Rishi Sunak Born

In May 1980, Rishi Sunak was born. He would later become a prominent figure in British politics.

1995: Mother owned Sunak Pharmacy

From 1995, Rishi Sunak's mother owned the Sunak Pharmacy in Southampton.

2001: Graduation from Oxford

In 2001, Rishi Sunak graduated with a first in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Lincoln College, Oxford.

2001: Joined Goldman Sachs

In 2001, Rishi Sunak started working as an analyst for the investment bank Goldman Sachs.

2004: Left Goldman Sachs

In 2004, Rishi Sunak left Goldman Sachs.

September 2006: Partner at TCI

In September 2006, Rishi Sunak became a partner at The Children's Investment Fund Management (TCI).

2006: MBA from Stanford

In 2006, Rishi Sunak earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Stanford University as a Fulbright Scholar.

August 2009: Sunak married Akshata Murty

In August 2009, Rishi Sunak married Akshata Murty, the daughter of N. R. Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murty. They met while studying at Stanford University.

November 2009: Left TCI

In November 2009, Rishi Sunak left TCI.

October 2010: Launched Theleme Partners

In October 2010, Rishi Sunak launched Theleme Partners, a new hedge fund firm, with former colleagues.

2011: Birth of First Daughter

In 2011, Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty welcomed the birth of their first daughter.

2013: Director of Catamaran Ventures

From 2013, Rishi Sunak was a director of the investment firm Catamaran Ventures.

2013: Birth of Second Daughter

In 2013, Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty celebrated the birth of their second daughter.

2014: Mother closed Sunak Pharmacy

In 2014, Rishi Sunak's mother closed the Sunak Pharmacy in Southampton.

2015: Stepped down from Catamaran Ventures

In 2015, Rishi Sunak stepped down from Catamaran Ventures.

2015: Elected as MP

In 2015, Rishi Sunak was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Richmond (Yorks).

2015: Election to the House of Commons

In 2015, Rishi Sunak was elected to the House of Commons.

2016: Supported Brexit Campaign

In 2016, as a backbencher, Rishi Sunak supported the successful campaign for Brexit in the European Union membership referendum.

2019: Appointment to Junior Ministerial and Cabinet Roles

In 2019, Rishi Sunak was appointed to the junior ministerial position of Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Government by Theresa May and later appointed as Chief Secretary to the Treasury by Boris Johnson.

2020: Chancellor of the Exchequer

In 2020, Rishi Sunak was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer under Boris Johnson.

2020: Promotion to Chancellor of the Exchequer

In 2020, Rishi Sunak was promoted to Chancellor of the Exchequer.

2021: Public attitudes toward Sunak remained broadly positive

In 2021, public attitudes towards Rishi Sunak remained broadly positive, though his popularity declined steadily over time.

April 2022: Sunak and Murty moved out of Downing Street flat

In April 2022, Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty moved out of the flat above 10 Downing Street to a newly refurbished West London home for domestic reasons.

July 2022: Resignation as Chancellor

In July 2022, Rishi Sunak resigned as Chancellor amid a government crisis.

October 2022: Leader of the Conservative Party

In October 2022, Rishi Sunak became the Leader of the Conservative Party.

October 2022: Sunaks resumed residence of their former official home

In October 2022, the Sunaks resumed residence of their former official home at 10 Downing Street, with Rishi Sunak now serving as prime minister.

April 2023: Sunak's perception as a centrist challenged

In April 2023, Rishi Sunak's perception as a centrist was contrasted with his government's policies on transgender and migration issues, which were described as socially conservative, leading to debates about his true political leaning.

July 2023: Sunak described as most right-wing PM since Thatcher

In July 2023, The Economist described Rishi Sunak as "the most right-wing Conservative prime minister since Margaret Thatcher", highlighting a shift in perception of his political stance.

2023: Theleme Partners equivalent value in 2023

In October 2010, Rishi Sunak launched Theleme Partners, a new hedge fund firm, with former colleagues with $700 million under management (equivalent to $978 million in 2023)

July 2024: Conservative Party lost election

In July 2024, the Conservative Party, led by Rishi Sunak, lost the general election to the Labour Party.

November 2024: End of Premiership and Leadership

In November 2024, Rishi Sunak's time as Prime Minister and Leader of the Conservative Party ended.

2024: Sunak discusses his childhood

During the 2024 general election campaign, Rishi Sunak spoke about his childhood, emphasizing his parents' prioritization of education and their decision not to have Sky TV.