First person of colour to be UK prime minister

The UK has a new leader, Rishi Sunak. This is a historic moment because he's the first non-white prime minister. And at age 42, Sunak's a very young prime minister.

Sunak was asked by King Charles III to be prime minister. Sunak talked about the problem with the country's economy.

Rishi Sunak: "I've just been to Buckingham Palace and accepted his Majesty the King's invitation to form a government in his name. It is only right to explain why I'm standing here as your new Prime Minister. Right now, our country is facing a profound economic crisis."

Sunak became prime minister during the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali. Sunak's a Hindu and his new job has made many Hindus excited.

Rachna Rao: "We're absolutely over the moon because obviously you know he's he's one of us and what's even more special about him becoming prime minister is that it's happened today on Diwali itself, which is an auspicious day. So we are all very very excited and very happy for him."

In 1980, when Sunak was born, there weren't any Black or Asian members of parliament. Now, he leads the Conservative party. For the British Indian community, this is a proud moment.

Niipa Patel: "I think it's a very proud and historic moment for the British Indian community to have Rishi Sunak as prime minister. It will hopefully inspire the younger generation, people of, from all ethnic backgrounds, that they are able to work hard and aspire to the highest office."

Sunak became the third prime minister of 2022, after Liz Truss. She was prime minister for 50 days. There are lots of problems for Sunak to fix. The cost of living in the UK is increasing. People celebrating Diwali think a leader’s abilities are more important than their background.

"I don't think it, that really matters as long as we have somebody who is going to be make suring, make sure that everybody's looked after and the nation is looked after, you know, young, old, regardless of their backgrounds." Weniger anzeigen