Rishi Sunak and Nicola Sturgeon say their first call was 'constructive'
The new PM hit the phones on his first night in Number 10
New prime miniser Rishi Sunak spoke to Nicola Sturgeon on his first night at work in Number 10 Downing Street, emphasising their "duty" to work together in order to respond to the UK's "shared challenges".
Mr Sunak spoke to the first minister. and also her opposite number in Wales, following the conclusion of his cabinet reshuffle and his first audience with the King.
The early call to leaders of the devolved nations was in constrast to his predecessor, Liz Truss, who never held any formal talks with them during her seven week premiership.
He tweeted: "I emphasised our duty to work closely together to respond to the shared challenges we face, so that collectively we can deliver for the people of the United Kingdom."
Ms Sturgeon said the call had been "constructive", tweeting: "Constructive call with Rishi Sunak tonight.
"I expressed hope that we will build a UK/Scottish Government relationship based on mutual respect - including for mandates - and my fear that further austerity will do real damage to people and public services.
"I look forward to further engagement soon."
Sturgeon wants 'mutual respect'
Following the call, a Scottish Government spokesperson said Ms Sturgeon congratulated Mr Sunak on his appointment and wished him well.
"She expressed her hope that political differences notwithstanding, they would build a constructive working relationship," the spokesperson said.
"She made clear that the Scottish Government would do everything possible to establish such a constructive relationship but stressed that this must be built on mutual respect."
Ms Sturgeon said the UK Government should "address the pressure" and pain being felt by people and businesses as a result of other economic pressures and further austerity could exacerbate the problems.
It is understood Mr Sunak "assured" Ms Sturgeon the UK Government would engage with the devolved governments ahead of the Chancellor's forthcoming budget statement.
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.
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