First person of colour to be UK prime minister

Rishi Sunak is making history in the UK. He's the first person of colour to be prime minister and the youngest leader in more than 200 years at age 42.

Sunak accepted King Charles III's invitation to lead the UK as prime minister. Sunak told the media that he's aware of the country's economic problem.

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 practises the Hindu religion and his new job as prime minister began on the first day of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. This was special for Hindus.

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."

Sunak's now the leader of the Conservative party, but when he was born, in 1980, there were no Black or Asian members of parliament. This is a sign of hope for many people including the British Indian community.

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 is the third prime minister of 2022 after Liz Truss who only lasted 50 days as leader. Sunak has got a tough job ahead including fixing the country's economic situation. Sunak's background isn't the important thing for most people. It's whether he’s got the right skills to solve the challenges which the UK faces.

"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