BRITISH Conservative, Rishi Sunak, whose resignation from Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s cabinet helped spark an exodus of other ministers, on Friday declared his candidacy to become the party’s next leader.
“Let’s restore trust, rebuild the economy and reunite the country,” Sunak said, presenting a slick video about his life story to launch the campaign on social media.
Sunak is the first Indian-origin politician to hold the high UK Cabinet office of Chancellor of the Exchequer had reportedly clashed with Johnson in private about spending.
“For me to step down as Chancellor (of the Exchequer) while the world is suffering the economic consequences of the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and other serious challenges is a decision that I have not taken lightly.
“The public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously. I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning,” he said before his resignation.
Sunak was earlier appreciated for a steady-handed response to the economic turmoil caused by the pandemic, but was criticised by revelations that his wife had averted paying certain taxes in Britain.
