Picture : Twitter / ANI
Indian-origin politician Rishi Sunak, in a massive elevation was appointed the UK’s new finance minister by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in an extensive Cabinet reshuffle amid reports of serious differences within Downing Street.
The 39-year-old son-in-law of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy will join Priti Patel on the top government bench, after she held on to her post as Home Secretary.
Outside the Treasury office soon after his promotion, Sunak told reporters he was “delighted to be appointed” Chancellor and had “a lot to get on with”.
Pakistani-origin Sajid Javid resigned as Chancellor in a shock move in one of the biggest shake-ups since Johnson won a thumping majority in the December 2019 General Election.
Sunak is set to move into No. 11 Downing Street, next door to the Prime Minister”s office as he takes charge of the second most important government position as the finance minister.
He will have to hit the ground running as the UK Budget is due to be tabled next month. The Prime Minister and Chancellor are traditionally seen a double act in British politics, working close together and also living as neighbours on Downing Street.
“The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the appointment of Rt Hon Rishi Sunak as Chancellor of the Exchequer,” Downing Street said in the official announcement.
