Rishi Sunak is a well-known British politician who has gained recognition for his work as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He became famous for his leadership during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crises. In this biography, we will explore his net worth, who he is, his early life, professional life, personal life, achievements, and sources of income.
Who is Rishi Sunak?
Rishi Sunak is a British Conservative Party politician and the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He became the leader of the Conservative Party and the country’s leader in October 2022, following the resignation of Liz Truss. He is known for his work as the Chancellor of the Exchequer, where he played a crucial role in managing the UK’s economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sunak is one of the wealthiest politicians in the UK, and his wealth is often a topic of discussion.
| Full Name | Rishi Sunak |
| Date of Birth | 12 May 1980 |
| Place of Birth | Southampton, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Political Party | Conservative |
| Position | Prime Minister of the United Kingdom |
| Term Start | 25 October 2022 |
| Spouse | Akshata Murthy |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Oxford University (PPE), Stanford University (MBA) |
| Net Worth | £730 million (2024) |
Rishi Sunak’s Early Life
Rishi Sunak was born on May 12, 1980, in Southampton, England. His parents were of Indian descent, and his grandparents migrated from India to East Africa before finally settling in the UK. His father, Yashvir Sunak, was a general practitioner (doctor), and his mother, Usha Sunak, owned a pharmacy. Rishi grew up in a middle-class family, and his parents worked hard to provide him with a good education.
Sunak attended Winchester College, one of the most prestigious private schools in the UK. After completing his school education, he went on to study at Oxford University, where he earned a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE). He later attended the Stanford Graduate School of Business in the United States, where he earned an MBA. It was at Stanford that he met his future wife, Akshata Murthy.
Professional Life
Rishi Sunak’s professional life began in the world of finance. After completing his education at Stanford, he worked for the investment bank Goldman Sachs as an analyst. Later, he joined a couple of hedge funds, including The Children’s Investment Fund Management and Thélème Partners, where he honed his financial skills.
His career in politics started in 2015 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Richmond, North Yorkshire, replacing the long-serving Conservative MP William Hague. Sunak quickly rose through the ranks of the Conservative Party. In 2019, when Boris Johnson became Prime Minister, Rishi was appointed as the Chief Secretary to the Treasury. In February 2020, he was promoted to the position of Chancellor of the Exchequer, one of the most important roles in the UK government.
As Chancellor, Sunak had to handle the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. He introduced several economic relief packages, including the furlough scheme, which helped millions of workers retain their jobs. Sunak’s work during this time earned him praise, although he also faced criticism for some of his decisions, particularly around public spending and tax policies.
In October 2022, following the resignation of Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. His tenure as Prime Minister has focused on stabilizing the UK’s economy, managing inflation, and dealing with political challenges within the country.
Personal Life
Rishi Sunak is married to Akshata Murthy, the daughter of Narayana Murthy, an Indian billionaire and the founder of Infosys, a global technology services company. The couple met while studying at Stanford and got married in 2009. They have two daughters, Krishna and Anoushka. The family lives in a luxury home in Kensington, London, and they also have properties in California and Yorkshire.
Sunak is known for being family-oriented and has spoken about how his wife and daughters are the most important part of his life. His wife, Akshata, is also a fashion designer and a businesswoman. Together, the couple has amassed significant wealth, and their lifestyle reflects this. Despite their wealth, Rishi Sunak has often emphasized his humble beginnings and the importance of hard work.
Rishi Sunak’s Net Worth
As of 2024, Rishi Sunak’s net worth is estimated to be around £730 million (approximately $900 million). His wealth comes from a variety of sources:
| Year | Net Worth (GBP) |
|---|---|
| 2019 | £350 million |
| 2020 | £450 million |
| 2021 | £600 million |
| 2022 | £720 million |
| 2023 | £730 million |
- Akshata Murthy’s Shares in Infosys: A large portion of the Sunak family’s wealth comes from Akshata’s stake in Infosys, which is one of the largest technology companies in the world. Akshata owns about 0.93% of the company, which is worth hundreds of millions of pounds. The couple receives dividends from Infosys, which adds to their wealth.
- Rishi Sunak’s Career in Finance: Before entering politics, Sunak worked in the finance sector, including his time at Goldman Sachs and hedge funds like Thélème Partners. He earned substantial sums during his time in these roles, which contributed to his wealth.
- Real Estate: The Sunak family owns multiple properties, including a mansion in Kensington, worth around £7 million, a home in North Yorkshire, and a luxury apartment in Santa Monica, California. These properties significantly add to their net worth.
- Other Investments: The couple is known to have other business interests and investments, which are not as publicly detailed, but likely add to their overall wealth. Akshata is also involved in the fashion industry, and her businesses, while smaller in scale compared to Infosys, contribute to the family’s wealth.
Achievements
Rishi Sunak’s achievements are numerous, particularly in politics and economics. Some of his key achievements include:
- Becoming the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 2022, a significant milestone in his political career.
- Managing the UK economy during the COVID-19 pandemic, introducing relief packages like the furlough scheme, which saved millions of jobs.
- Rising quickly within the Conservative Party, from being elected as an MP in 2015 to becoming Chancellor of the Exchequer within five years.
- Successfully navigating through several political challenges, including internal party struggles and economic issues like inflation and public spending.
While he has been praised for his handling of certain crises, Sunak has also faced criticism, particularly regarding his decisions on taxes, public spending cuts, and his personal wealth, which some argue creates a disconnect with the average citizen.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite his many achievements, Rishi Sunak has faced challenges and criticism. Some people have questioned his ability to connect with the average citizen due to his immense wealth. His family’s ties to Infosys have also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, especially since Infosys operates globally, including in countries with sensitive political relationships with the UK.
Moreover, as Prime Minister, Sunak has had to deal with political challenges within his party, managing internal divisions and facing opposition criticism over issues like healthcare, education funding, and social welfare.
Conclusion
Rishi Sunak is a prominent figure in British politics and one of the wealthiest politicians in the world. His journey from a middle-class background to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom is inspiring, and his work during the COVID-19 pandemic showcased his leadership and economic expertise. However, his wealth and background have also brought him criticism, as some believe it creates a disconnect with ordinary citizens.
With an estimated net worth of £730 million, largely from Infosys dividends, real estate, and investments, Rishi Sunak continues to navigate the complex world of politics while managing his personal wealth.
