Rishi Sunak made history in 2022 by becoming the first British Asian Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He leads the Conservative Party and assumed office succeeding Boris Johnson. Prior to his role as Prime Minister, Sunak served in Johnson's cabinet, notably as Chancellor of the Exchequer. His political journey includes being a Member of Parliament for Richmond (Yorks) since 2015.
1932: Government Crisis and Resignations
Sunak and Javid's resignations triggered a wave of resignations from other government officials, citing a lack of confidence in Johnson's leadership. This event marked a significant crisis in Johnson's government.
April 1978: Denis Healey Holds Highest Approval Rating for Chancellor
Prior to Sunak's achievement, Denis Healey held the highest recorded approval rating for a British chancellor in April 1978.
May 1980: Rishi Sunak's Birth
Rishi Sunak was born in May 1980 in Southampton, Hampshire, England to Indian Punjabi parents.
1982: Sanjay Sunak's Birth
Rishi Sunak's brother, Sanjay Sunak, was born in 1982.
1985: Raakhi Williams' Birth
Rishi Sunak's sister, Raakhi Williams, was born in 1985.
1995: Usha Sunak Opens Sunak Pharmacy
In 1995, Rishi Sunak's mother, Usha Sunak, opened the Sunak Pharmacy in Southampton.
1997: Shift in Prime Ministerial Residence
Starting in 1997, a trend emerged where prime ministers began living in the four-bedroom flat above 11 Downing Street, deviating from the earlier practice of residing at 10 Downing Street.
1998: Government Introduces Safety of Rwanda Bill
Following the Supreme Court ruling, Sunak's government introduced the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, aiming to bypass certain sections of the Human Rights Act 1998 to enable the Rwanda asylum plan.
2001: Sunak Graduates from Oxford University
Rishi Sunak graduated with a First in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Lincoln College, Oxford in 2001.
2001: Sunak Begins Working at Goldman Sachs
Rishi Sunak started working as an analyst for the investment bank Goldman Sachs in 2001.
2004: Sunak Leaves Goldman Sachs
Rishi Sunak left his position at Goldman Sachs in 2004.
September 2006: Sunak Becomes Partner at Children's Investment Fund Management
In September 2006, Rishi Sunak became a partner at the hedge fund management firm, Children's Investment Fund Management.
2006: Sunak Earns MBA from Stanford
Rishi Sunak received his Master of Business Administration degree from Stanford University in 2006.
August 2009: Sunak Marries Akshata Murthy
Sunak married Akshata Murthy, the daughter of Infosys founder N. R. Narayana Murthy, in August 2009.
November 2009: Sunak Leaves Children's Investment Fund Management
Rishi Sunak left his position at Children's Investment Fund Management in November 2009 to join a new hedge fund firm.
October 2010: Theleme Partners Launched
Rishi Sunak joined former colleagues in California at a new hedge fund firm, Theleme Partners, which launched in October 2010.
2011: Sunak and Murthy Welcome Their First Daughter
Sunak and Murthy welcomed their first daughter, Krishna, in 2011.
2013: Sunak Becomes Director at Catamaran Ventures
Rishi Sunak became a director of the investment firm Catamaran Ventures in 2013.
2013: Sunak and Murthy Welcome Their Second Daughter
Sunak and Murthy welcomed their second daughter, Anoushka, in 2013.
October 2014: Sunak Selected as Conservative Candidate for Richmond
In October 2014, Rishi Sunak was selected as the Conservative candidate for Richmond (Yorks).
2014: Usha Sunak Closes Sunak Pharmacy
Usha Sunak closed the Sunak Pharmacy in Southampton in 2014.
2015: Sunak Steps Down from Catamaran Ventures
Rishi Sunak stepped down from his role at Catamaran Ventures in 2015.
2015: Elected as MP for Richmond
Rishi Sunak was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Richmond (Yorks) in 2015.
June 2016: Sunak Supports Brexit and Endorses Gove and May
Rishi Sunak continued his support for Brexit. He endorsed Michael Gove and later Theresa May in the 2016 Conservative Party leadership election.
2016: National Planning Policy Framework Update Impacts Onshore Wind Generation
The National Planning Policy Framework 2016 Update introduced restrictions on onshore wind generation, a policy that influenced subsequent discussions and stances on wind energy in the UK.
2016: Sunak Supports Leave Campaign in Brexit Referendum
Sunak supported the Leave campaign during the 2016 UK European Union membership referendum.
2016: Sunak Supports Brexit Campaign
Rishi Sunak supported the successful campaign for Brexit during the 2016 European Union membership referendum.
2017: Sunak Serves on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee
From 2015 to 2017, Rishi Sunak was a member of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee.
2017: Sunak Re-elected with Increased Majority
Rishi Sunak was re-elected in the 2017 general election with an increased majority.
2017: Re-election and Junior Ministerial Position
Sunak was re-elected as MP for Richmond in 2017. He was appointed to a junior ministerial position in Theresa May's second government.
2018: Sunak Becomes Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State
In 2018, Rishi Sunak became the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Government.
2018: Appointment as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State
In 2018, Sunak was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Government in Theresa May's second government cabinet reshuffle.
May 2019: Theresa May Resigns
In May 2019, Prime Minister Theresa May announced her resignation after her Brexit withdrawal agreement was rejected by Parliament three times.
July 2019: Sunak Appointed Chief Secretary to the Treasury
Boris Johnson appointed Rishi Sunak as the Chief Secretary to the Treasury in July 2019.
November 2019: UK Government Bans Fracking
In November 2019, the UK government, under then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, banned fracking due to concerns about earthquakes.
2019: Conservative Manifesto Focuses on Long-Term Energy Security
The Conservative party manifesto of 2019 outlined a focus on long-term energy security, a stance that Sunak publicly supported.
2019: Supporting Boris Johnson's Leadership Bid
Sunak showed his support for Boris Johnson in the 2019 Conservative Party leadership election, co-authoring an article with other MPs advocating for Johnson's leadership.
2019: Sunak Re-elected Again with Increased Majority
Rishi Sunak was re-elected again in the 2019 general election, once more with an increased majority.
2019: Reinstating the Fracking Ban
In a policy shift from his predecessor, Sunak reinstated the ban on fracking in October 2022, aligning with the 2019 Conservative manifesto.
2019: Sunak Becomes Chancellor of the Exchequer
After the 2019 general election, Boris Johnson promoted Rishi Sunak to the position of Chancellor of the Exchequer.
2019: Appointment as Chief Secretary to the Treasury
After Boris Johnson became Prime Minister, he appointed Sunak as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, a role in which he served under Chancellor Sajid Javid. Sunak also became a member of the Privy Council and participated in election debates for the BBC and ITV.
March 2020: Introduction of COVID-19 Economic Support Programs
As the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Sunak took a prominent role in the government's response. In March 2020, he introduced a £330 billion emergency support package, including a furlough scheme to support businesses and employees.
June 2020: Attendance at Boris Johnson's Birthday Gathering
Sunak attended a birthday gathering for Prime Minister Boris Johnson in June 2020, an event that later became part of the "Partygate" scandal due to violations of COVID-19 restrictions.
June 2020: Extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Sunak extended the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme until the end of June 2020, and later until October 2020, to prevent mass unemployment and economic downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 2020: Announcement of the "Eat Out to Help Out" Scheme and Additional Economic Measures
In July 2020, Sunak announced a £30 billion spending plan, including a stamp duty holiday, VAT cuts for the hospitality sector, a job retention bonus, and the "Eat Out to Help Out" scheme to support the struggling hospitality industry.
September 2020: Delivery of the Winter Economy Plan
Sunak delivered the Winter Economy Plan on September 24, 2020, outlining measures to support economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and protect jobs and businesses.
September 2020: Sunak Achieves High Approval Ratings as Chancellor
In September 2020, Sunak achieved remarkably high approval ratings as chancellor, even surpassing Denis Healey's record in April 1978. He was viewed favorably by many, with speculations about his potential as a future prime minister.
September 2020: Opposition to Second Lockdown
Sunak voiced his opposition to a proposed "circuit-breaker" lockdown in September 2020, citing concerns about its potential impact on the economy and jobs.
October 2020: Allegations of Prioritizing the Economy Over Health
In October 2020, allegations arose suggesting that Sunak had prioritized the economy over public health during discussions about a second lockdown, with claims that he argued to "just let people die." Sunak denied these claims.
October 2020: Second Extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
To continue mitigating the economic impact of the pandemic, Sunak further extended the job retention scheme until October 2020.
October 2020: Extension of Support Following Second Lockdown
Following a second lockdown in England in October 2020, the support programs outlined in the Winter Economy Plan were extended multiple times, lasting until September 2021.
November 2020: Non-Declaration of Family Financial Interests
In November 2020, Sunak faced scrutiny for not fully disclosing his wife's and family's financial interests, including a stake in Infosys, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. However, an investigation found no rules were broken.
2020: Sunak Gains Public Recognition and Popularity
Sunak's profile rose significantly following his appointment as chancellor, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. His handling of the situation earned him high approval ratings, surpassing many other British politicians.
2020: Appointment as Chancellor of the Exchequer
Rishi Sunak was appointed as the Chancellor of the Exchequer in 2020 under Boris Johnson's government.
2020: Promotion to Chancellor
In a cabinet reshuffle in February 2020, Sunak was promoted to Chancellor, replacing Sajid Javid.
June 2021: G7 Summit and Tax Reform Agreement
In June 2021, Sunak hosted a G7 summit in London, where a tax reform agreement was signed, aiming to establish a global minimum tax for multinationals and online tech companies.
September 2021: Conclusion of Extended Support Programs
The economic support programs initiated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including those detailed in the Winter Economy Plan, concluded in September 2021 after multiple extensions.
October 2021: OECD Joins Tax Reform and COP26 Attendance
In October 2021, the OECD joined the tax reform plan. Later that month, Sunak attended COP26 in Glasgow, expressing optimism about addressing climate change challenges.
October 2021: Final Budget Statement and Focus on Science and Education
Sunak delivered his third and final budget statement in October 2021. The budget included significant spending commitments toward science and education. It also increased in-work support through changes to the Universal Credit system, such as raising work allowances and lowering the taper rate. Despite criticism about pre-budget announcements, Sunak emphasized the budget's role in preparing for a new economy.
2021: Sunak's Popularity Declines Amidst Cost of Living Crisis
Throughout 2021, Sunak's popularity gradually declined as the cost of living crisis in the UK became a prominent public concern, impacting perceptions of his performance as chancellor.
2021: US Green Card Status Scrutiny
Also in 2021, it was reported that Sunak retained his US permanent resident status (green card) even after becoming Chancellor. This revelation raised questions but an investigation found no breach of ministerial rules.
March 2022: Spring Statement and Measures to Address Cost of Living
Sunak delivered his spring statement on March 23, 2022, announcing measures to address the rising cost of living. This included a cut to fuel duty, the removal of VAT on energy-saving equipment, and a reduction in national insurance payments for small businesses. While a planned national insurance rise went ahead in April, Sunak pledged to adjust the threshold in July. He also promised income tax reductions in 2024 and allocated funding to assist vulnerable individuals with the increasing cost of living.
April 2022: Sunak and Murty Relocate to West London Home
In April 2022, Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, decided to move out of their flat above 10 Downing Street to a newly refurbished home in West London, citing domestic reasons for the move.
April 2022: Fixed Penalty Notice for "Partygate"
Sunak received a fixed penalty notice from the police in April 2022 for attending a birthday gathering for Boris Johnson in June 2020 during COVID-19 restrictions, becoming one of many government officials penalized for violating lockdown rules.
May 2022: Introduction of Support Package for Cost of Living Crisis
In response to the rising cost of living, Sunak and the UK government introduced a £15 billion support package in May 2022. The package included a £400 discount on energy bills for every household, a £650 payment for low-income households, and additional support for pensioners and individuals with disabilities.
July 2022: Sunak's Approval Ratings Fluctuate Amidst Resignation and Reappointment
Sunak experienced a decline in popularity throughout 2021 and early 2022 due to the cost of living crisis and scrutiny of his family's finances. While his ratings slightly recovered by his resignation as chancellor in July 2022, they fluctuated again following his appointment as prime minister in October 2022 and decreased again by July 2023.
July 2022: Sunak Resigns as Chancellor
Rishi Sunak resigned from his position as Chancellor of the Exchequer in July 2022 during a government crisis.
July 2022: Sunak Favors Offshore Wind Farms
In July 2022, during his run for Conservative Party leadership, Sunak expressed his support for wind generation as part of the government's energy policies but emphasized a focus on offshore wind farms to ensure energy security while addressing community concerns.
July 2022: Sunak Expresses Support for LGBT+ Community While Facing Criticism
In July 2022, Sunak voiced his aspiration for the UK to be a safe and inclusive nation for the LGBT+ community. However, his statements regarding transphobia within his party and his stance on trans rights sparked criticism from LGBT+ advocates who perceived them as "anti-trans."
July 2022: Conservative Leadership Bid
Following Johnson's resignation announcement, Sunak announced his candidacy for Conservative Party leadership in July 2022, campaigning on promises to restore trust, rebuild the economy, and reunite the country.
July 2022: Resignation as Chancellor
Sunak resigned as Chancellor in July 2022, alongside Sajid Javid, amidst a scandal involving Chris Pincher's sexual harassment allegations and concerns about Johnson's handling of the situation.
July 2022: Sunak Expresses Concerns About China
During his campaign for Conservative Party leadership in July 2022, Sunak identified China as a significant threat to the UK, highlighting concerns related to human rights, economic practices, and its relationship with Russia. He later softened his stance upon becoming prime minister, referring to China as a "systemic challenge."
August 2022: Sunak Proposes Stricter Criminal Justice Measures
In August 2022, Sunak proposed stricter criminal justice measures, including life imprisonment for child grooming gang leaders and recording the ethnicity of those involved.
August 2022: Sunak's Stance on Solar Panels on Farmland Raises Concerns
In August 2022, Sunak's intention to restrict solar panels on farmland while promoting their use on commercial buildings sparked concerns within the solar industry.
October 2022: Sunak Elected Unopposed as Prime Minister
In October 2022, Rishi Sunak was elected unopposed in the Conservative Party leadership election to succeed Liz Truss as Prime Minister.
October 2022: Sunak Returns to 10 Downing Street as Prime Minister
In October 2022, breaking the recent tradition of prime ministers residing at 11 Downing Street, Rishi Sunak and his family moved back into their former official residence above 10 Downing Street after he assumed the position of prime minister.
October 2022: Appointment as Prime Minister
On October 25, 2022, Sunak was appointed Prime Minister by King Charles III, making history as the first British Asian and Hindu to assume the office. He quickly began forming his cabinet.
October 2022: Sunak's Approval Ratings Increase Following Appointment as Prime Minister
Sunak's approval ratings saw an increase after he assumed the role of prime minister in October 2022, reflecting a shift in public perception.
October 2022: Elected Conservative Leader
After Truss resigned in October 2022, Sunak stood for leadership again and was elected Conservative leader on October 24th, becoming the first British Asian and Hindu to hold this position.
December 2022: Forsyth Appointed as Sunak's Political Secretary
Further solidifying their close bond, Rishi Sunak appointed his long-time friend James Forsyth, a former political editor at The Spectator, as his political secretary in December 2022.
2022: Sunak Reaffirms Support for Brexit
Sunak stated his support for Brexit, saying "I voted for Brexit, I believe in Brexit."
2022: Wife's Non-Domiciled Tax Status Controversy
In early 2022, Sunak faced criticism when it was revealed that his wife, Akshata Murthy, held non-domiciled tax status in the UK, potentially reducing her tax burden. Murty later announced her decision to pay UK taxes on her global income.
2022: Sunak Becomes Prime Minister
In 2022, Rishi Sunak became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party.
2022: Attendance at COP27
Despite initially deciding to skip the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Egypt, Sunak reversed his decision after facing pressure from various groups, demonstrating a response to public sentiment.
2022: Sunak Supports Conservative Environment Pledge
Sunak signed the Conservative Environment Pledge, demonstrating his commitment to environmental issues.
January 2023: Sunak Confirms Plans to Remove EU Legislation
In January 2023, Sunak confirmed his intention to remove EU legislation from the UK statute book, emphasizing a "collective effort."
January 2023: Sunak Outlines Immigration Policies as Part of 2023 Priorities
On January 4, 2023, Sunak outlined his key priorities for the year, which included addressing immigration. He proposed stricter asylum regulations, emphasizing the detention and removal of individuals entering the UK illegally. Sunak defended his proposals against criticism, stating they were not racially motivated.
February 2023: Sunak Negotiates Windsor Framework with EU
In February 2023, Sunak negotiated the "Windsor Framework" with the EU, addressing Northern Ireland's trading arrangements post-Brexit.
April 2023: Sunak's Comments on Transgender Issues Spark Controversy
In April 2023, Sunak's agreement with a statement about women and anatomy ignited controversy and criticism, particularly from LGBT+ groups who interpreted his words as insensitive and dismissive of transgender identities.
April 2023: Sunak's Policies Spark Debate on Social Conservatism
In April 2023, Sunak's policies on transgender and migration issues were described as socially conservative, sparking debate about his political stance.
June 2023: Sunak's Rwanda Asylum Plan Blocked by UK Court of Appeal
In June 2023, Sunak's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda was blocked by the UK Court of Appeal due to concerns over potential refoulement.
July 2023: Sunak's Approval Ratings Decline to Previous Levels
By July 2023, Sunak's approval ratings had decreased back to levels similar to when he resigned as chancellor.
July 2023: The Economist Labels Sunak as "Most Right-Wing PM Since Thatcher"
In July 2023, The Economist described Sunak as "the most right-wing Conservative prime minister since Margaret Thatcher," highlighting his perceived conservative stance.
November 2023: Supreme Court Declares Sunak's Rwanda Asylum Plan Unlawful
The UK Supreme Court upheld the earlier ruling in November 2023, declaring Sunak's Rwanda asylum plan unlawful.
December 2023: Sunak Secures Majority for Safety of Rwanda Bill
In December 2023, despite opposition, Sunak secured a government majority for the Safety of Rwanda Bill, aiming to enable the controversial Rwanda asylum plan.
2023: Forest and Climate Leaders' Partnership to Publish Annual Global Progress Report
Starting in 2023, the Forest and Climate Leaders' Partnership (FCLP) will publish an annual Global Progress Report, including independent assessments.
January 2024: Sunak Rejects South Africa's Genocide Case Against Israel
In January 2024, Sunak rejected South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
February 2024: Sunak's Comments on Defining Women Draw Criticism
In February 2024, Sunak's remarks during Prime Minister's Questions regarding the definition of a woman, made in the presence of Brianna Ghey's mother, drew strong criticism from LGBT+ groups, politicians, and Ghey's family for being insensitive and poorly timed.
July 2024: Calling a General Election
Sunak called for a general election to be held on July 4, 2024, aiming to capitalize on perceived economic improvements under his leadership.
December 2024: Potential Election Timing
Sunak had the option to hold the election later, in December 2024, but chose the earlier date based on his assessment of the economic and political landscape.
2024: Promise of Income Tax Reduction
In his March 2022 spring statement, Sunak announced plans for income tax reductions to be implemented in 2024.
2030: Sunak Votes Against Eliminating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Transportation by 2030
Sunak voted against a proposal to eliminate most greenhouse gas emissions from transportation in the UK by 2030.
2030: Forest and Climate Leaders' Partnership Aims to Halt and Reverse Deforestation
The Forest and Climate Leaders' Partnership (FCLP), launched by Sunak at COP27, aims to stop and reverse deforestation by 2030.
2045: Sunak Aims for UK Energy Independence by 2045
Sunak set a goal of making the UK energy independent by 2045, advocating for renewable energy sources.
2050: Sunak Commits to Net Zero by 2050
Sunak has expressed his commitment to achieving net zero emissions in the UK by 2050.