Rishi Sunak Britain’s New Prime Minister But Challenges Ahead

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

LONDON (Worthy News) – Rishi Sunak was elected Britain’s next prime minister Monday after securing enough backing from Conservative Party legislators and his rival Penny Mordaunt dropping out of the race.

Sunak faces a momentous task to lead Britain through its most significant economic challenges in generations and avoid more tensions with Northern Ireland, analysts say.

“Rishi Sunak must face the Irish music, as the Northern Irish angry about the U.K. government crisis and its aftermath,” said Cornwall-based analyst Tamás S. Kiss.

“Sinn Fein, once the political wing of the militant Irish Republican Army (IRA), is gaining popularity in Northern Ireland. They want to leave Britain and be reunited with Ireland,” he told Worthy News.

“The reunification issue is again actual amid mounting public anger over the political mess in London and Britain leaving the European Union, the Brexit,” Kiss added.

Sunak was elected after Liz Truss resigned as prime minister following just six weeks in office amid outrage over tax plans, making her the shortest-serving premier in Britain’s history.

“We received one valid nomination,” said Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, who confirmed Sunak as the next leader of the Conservative Party, and the next prime minister.

MUCH SUPPORT

The ex-chancellor gained the support of well over half of Conservative Party legislators, with Mordaunt struggling to reach the 100 parliamentarians.

Earlier, Boris Johnson, the former scandal-ridden prime minister, decided not to run for the top political job again, this time.

Blessed with made-for-camera looks, Sunak will be Britain’s first British Asian prime minister and, at 42, its youngest in more than a century.

However, the opposition Labour Party reiterated their call for a general election, a view shared by the smaller but influential Scottish National Party.

Yet Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, who had initially backed Boris Johnson to be leader again before swapping to Sunak after Johnson pulled out, praised Sunak’s experience. He called him a “smart and talented guy” ready to take up Britain’s massive challenges.

However, closely looking over his shoulder will be Johnson, who has not ruled out running for office in the near future. “I believe I am well placed to deliver a Conservative victory in 2024” after clearing “the very high hurdle of 102 nominations,” he said. “I believe I have much to offer, but I am afraid that this is simply not the right time.”

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