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Rishi Sunak, born on 12 May 1980, is a prominent British politician currently serving as Leader of the Opposition since July 2024. He assumed leadership of the Conservative Party in October 2022 and previously held the office of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from October 2022 to July 2024. Prior to his premiership, Sunak served as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2020 to 2022 under Boris Johnson's administration. Since 2015, he has represented the constituency of Richmond and Northallerton, formerly known as Richmond (Yorks), in the House of Commons. Sunak's tenure as Prime Minister marked a significant milestone as he became the first British Asian to hold this position.

Born in Southampton to parents of Indian heritage who migrated from East Africa in the 1960s, Sunak received his education at Winchester College. He pursued further studies in philosophy, politics, and economics at Lincoln College, Oxford, and later earned a Master of Business Administration from Stanford University in California as a Fulbright Scholar. Sunak began his political journey during his time at Oxford, where he interned at Conservative Central Office and joined the Conservative Party. Following his education, he gained experience in the financial sector, working at Goldman Sachs and later becoming a partner at hedge fund firms like the Children's Investment Fund Management and Theleme Partners. Sunak entered Parliament after winning the seat in the 2015 general election and actively supported the Brexit campaign during the 2016 European Union membership referendum. His ministerial career began with a junior position appointed by Theresa May in 2019, followed by his appointment as Chief Secretary to the Treasury under Boris Johnson in the same year.

Rishi Sunak grew up in Winchester, Hampshire, where he attended the exclusive private school, Winchester College. He later pursued higher education at Oxford University, where he earned a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) from Trinity College. At Oxford, Sunak was actively involved in student life, including participating in the Oxford Union and serving as editor of the student newspaper, Cherwell.

After graduating from Oxford, Sunak pursued a career in investment banking and later in hedge funds. He worked for investment bank Goldman Sachs and then for hedge fund management firm The Children's Investment Fund Management (TCI). His background in finance provided him with a strong understanding of economic principles and financial markets, which would later inform his approach to economic policy as Chancellor.

Rishi Sunak's political career began in earnest when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Richmond, North Yorkshire, in the 2015 general election. As an MP, Sunak focused on local issues affecting his constituency, including rural affairs, healthcare, and business development. He quickly gained a reputation as a competent and articulate advocate for conservative values and economic growth.

In 2020, Sunak was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer by Prime Minister Boris Johnson following the resignation of Sajid Javid. As Chancellor, Sunak faced the daunting task of steering the UK economy through the COVID-19 pandemic. He implemented a series of unprecedented economic measures, including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough scheme) and various business support programs, aimed at mitigating the economic impact of lockdowns and restrictions.

Sunak's approach to economic policy during the pandemic emphasized targeted financial support for businesses and workers while also advocating for fiscal responsibility. His budgets have focused on stimulating economic recovery, promoting investment, and maintaining financial stability. Sunak has been praised for his handling of the economic challenges posed by the pandemic, although his policies have also faced criticism for their perceived impact on inequality and public services.

Rishi Sunak's legacy as Chancellor of the Exchequer is still unfolding. His tenure has been defined by his response to the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to support the UK economy through unprecedented challenges. Sunak's economic policies, including the furlough scheme and various financial support measures, have been credited with preventing a deeper economic downturn and facilitating recovery.

Looking ahead, Sunak's future within the Conservative Party and British politics more broadly remains uncertain. As Chancellor, he has positioned himself as a potential future leader of the party, with ambitions that extend beyond economic stewardship. His approach to fiscal policy, including commitments to infrastructure investment and tax reform, will likely shape his political legacy and influence within the party.

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