Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak celebrated Diwali with his wife Akshata Murthy on Thursday (October 31), a day after resigning as the leader of the opposition. Sunak, who made history by becoming the first British-Asian prime minister to celebrate Diwali at 10, Downing Street in 2022, seemed to be in the festive spirit as the couple celebrated the Festival of Lights in Leicester. Ms Murthy shared pictures from the festivities on Instagram, in which she and Rishi Sunak were seen serving prasad to people gathered for Diwali celebrations.
“This Diwali embrace new beginnings with joy and gratitude. May this light bring blessings to all. Happy Diwali!” she captioned the post.
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Sunak resigns as opposition leader
On Wednesday (30 October), Mr Sunak resigned as Leader of the Opposition, making his final appearance in the House of Commons during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs).
“I became leader of my party during Diwali and now I am stepping down during the same festival,” Sunak said in his farewell speech.
“I’m proud to be the first British Asian prime minister, but I’m even more proud that it wasn’t a big deal.” Sunak said this while wishing a very happy Diwali to everyone celebrating in the UK and around the world.
In a show of mutual respect and admiration, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also thanked his predecessor for his service and wished his family all the best.
“I wish everyone in the UK and around the world a very happy Diwali as they celebrate together and focus on a brighter future,” Starmer said.
“Last Diwali when the Leader of the Opposition and his family lit the doors outside 10 Downing Street, it was a significant moment in our national story, the first British Asian Prime Minister is a reminder that this is a country where people from every background can find their fulfillment. We can dream and being the British Leader of the Opposition makes us all proud.”
Rishi Sunak is serving as interim leader of the Conservative Party until a new Tory leader is elected. Voting for the new leader took place on Thursday and the winner is expected to be announced on Saturday, almost four months after the Tories suffered a crushing defeat in the general election.
