First person of colour to be UK prime minister

The UK's reached a significant political milestone with Rishi Sunak taking up office as the country's first prime minister of colour and of Hindu faith. Born in the UK to parents of Indian heritage, Sunak’s also the UK's youngest PM in over two centuries at just 42.

Addressing the nation outside the iconic number 10, the PM's official Downing Street residence, Sunak levelled with the public.

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."

An auspicious beginning for a devout Hindu, Sunak's appointment came at the start of the Hindu festival of light, Diwali, its deep significance not lost on worshippers at one London temple.

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."

Born in 1980, when no elected members of parliament identified as Black or Asian, Sunak had even graduated from university before any people of colour were elected to serve as Conservative MPs. This makes his appointment as Conservative leader all the more significant.

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."

Symptomatic of the UK’s turbulent politics, Sunak’s the country’s third prime minister of the year after Liz Truss survived a mere 50 days in office. Given the barrage of challenges he faces, tackling the economic crisis confronting the UK is, in the eyes of some observing Diwali, of far greater relevance than Sunak’s faith and ethnic origins.

"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