Rishi Sunak says he's humbled and honoured in first speech as incoming Prime Minister
He described it as the greatest privilege of his life
Incoming Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has given his first statement since being nominated as leader of the Conservatives.
He gave a very short statement saying he was humbled and honoured to lead the tory party, but also warned of a 'profound economic challenge'.
After Penny Mordaunt dropped out of the race earlier today Rishi Sunak was announced as the next Prime Minister.
Rishi Sunak's statement
Rishi Sunak warned that the UK faces a “profound economic challenge”, in his first speech as Conservative leader.
In the short speech he said: “I am humbled and honoured to have the support of my parliamentary colleagues and to be elected as leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party.
“It is the greatest privilege of my life, to be able to serve the party I love and give back to the country I owe so much to.
“The United Kingdom is a great country but there is no doubt we face a profound economic challenge.
“We now need stability and unity and I will make it my utmost priority to bring our party and our country together.”
He also paid tribute to Liz Truss for her “dedicated public service”.
“She has led with dignity and grace through a time of great change and under exceptionally difficult circumstances both at home and abroad.
“I am humbled and honoured to have the support of my parliamentary colleagues and to be elected as leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party.
Rishi Sunak
Rishi Sunak and his wife
Rishi Sunak is MP for Richmond in Yorkshire. He was born in Southampton to parents of Indian descent and is married to Akshata Murty (pictured) daughter of Indian billionaire N. R. Narayana Murthy, they have two daughters together.
Rishi Sunak as Chancellor
Sunak was elected as an MP in 2015, becoming Chief Secretary to the Treasury in 2019. Boris Johnson made him Chancellor of the Exchequer in 2020.
Rishi Sunak during Covid
Sunak became a key member of the government during Covid, often appearing at press conferences and introducing the furlough scheme during the pandemic.
Rishi Sunak in the cabinet
Sunak remained Chancellor until resigning in July 2022, shortly before Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced he was stepping down.
Rishi Sunak leadership bid
After Boris stepped down, Sunak was one of many MPs who put themselves forward to become the new leader of the tory party. Despite getting to the final two candidates, party members voted for Liz Truss who became Prime Minister.
Rishi Sunak King Charles
When Liz Truss resigned after only 45 days as PM Rishi Sunak stood again. After Boris Johnson ruled himself out of the leadership contest race, and Penny Mordaunt withdrew her candidacy, Sunak was announced as the new Conservative leader on 24 October and was appointed by King Charles III the next day.