Historic Defeat Marks End of Rishi Sunak's Short-Lived Premiership

Rishi Sunak conceded defeat as the Conservative Party's seats fell to historic lows, ending his tenure as Britain's first PM of Indian heritage. Despite his efforts, Sunak's leadership was challenged by internal party divisions and external crises. His short-lived premiership marked significant yet turbulent times in British politics.

As Rishi Sunak conceded defeat and witnessed the Conservative Party's seats plummet to historic lows on Friday, he could take solace in his legacy as Britain's first Prime Minister of Indian heritage being firmly established.

The Conservative Party, led by Sunak, suffered a crushing defeat after 14 years in power, ending his premiership merely 20 months after his induction amidst political turbulence.

"The British people have rendered a sobering verdict, leaving much to learn and reflect upon," Sunak said during his acceptance speech after winning his Richmond and Northallerton seat.

Sunak, acknowledging the loss, stated, "I take responsibility for the defeat. To the numerous dedicated Conservative candidates who lost despite their hard work and local commitments, I am deeply sorry."

Despite being an underdog in the election, Sunak's leadership came at the end of a long chain of Conservative leaders grappling with monumental challenges like Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sunak rose as a standout figure during the pandemic as Britain's first Indian-origin Chancellor, tackling the daunting task of stabilizing public finances.

However, his bond with then Prime Minister Boris Johnson deteriorated amid Johnson's declining popularity due to the 'partygate' scandal.

Sunak became the Conservative Party leader on Diwali in October 2022, stepping into 10 Downing Street as the youngest British Prime Minister in over two centuries and the nation's first non-white leader.

On assuming office amid soaring inflation exacerbated by predecessor Liz Truss' flawed mini-budget, Sunak pledged to address the UK's issues with compassion and prioritize economic stability.

While he managed to curb inflation, growing anti-incumbency and party divisions heightened the challenges.

In later months, Sunak and Indian PM Narendra Modi pursued a free trade agreement, though negotiations stalled as both countries geared up for general elections.

"I had warm and productive discussions with Prime Minister Modi on bolstering ties in defense, technology, and a free trade deal," Sunak reported post his first visit to India for the G20 Summit.

Drawing attention to his Indian heritage, Sunak explained, "I and my family are of Indian origin. My wife and her family are Indian citizens with business interests in India."

Sunak's parents, who migrated from Kenya to the UK in the 1960s, have Indian roots. He met Akshata Murty, his Indian wife, at Stanford University, and later entered politics, climbing the ranks to become Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Akshata Murty, in her political debut, praised Sunak's dedication to ensuring opportunities for all, reflecting the supportive family spirit evident during their visit to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London.

Sunak emphasized, "It is dharma that guides my public service approach, and I am proud to be Britain's first Indian-origin Prime Minister, though prouder that it's no big deal."

He asserted that despite recent events, the UK remains "the world's leading multi-ethnic, multi-faith democracy."

Addressing a racist attack from a far-right activist, he declared, "My story is a British story, showing a family's journey from modest beginnings to Downing Street in three generations."

Sunak's decision to call an early summer election led to a scandal of Tory candidates betting on the election date. His risky move to set July 4 as election day was met with uncertainty.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)