30 October Rishi Sunak stepped down as leader of the UK opposition in Parliament on Wednesday in a reference to the Diwali milestone of his career, two years after he was appointed the country’s first prime minister with Indian heritage during the Festival of Lights. Was done.
The 44-year-old, who has been acting as interim leader of the Conservatives until a new Tory leader is elected following the party’s general election defeat in July, used his final Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) in the House of Commons to shed light on Did for. -A heartfelt exchange with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“I became the leader of my party during Diwali and have now stood down during the same festival,” Sunak said.
“I’m proud to be the first British Asian prime minister, and I’m also proud that it wasn’t such a big deal; and that says a lot about the values of the British people, our country and this Parliament. So what The Prime Minister will appreciate with me the kindness, decency and tolerance that has always been the British way,” he said.
During Diwali in October 2022, Sunak, along with wife Akshata and daughters Krishna and Anushka, moved into 10 Downing Street and decorated its stairs with lamps and rangoli for two consecutive years.
PM Starmer said all sections of the British Parliament were proud that Sunak was “representing our diverse country” as Prime Minister. He also paid tribute to the outgoing opposition leader’s “hard work, commitment and decency” despite numerous political disagreements.
“I wish everyone in the UK and around the world a very joyous Diwali, this is a time to celebrate and focus on a brighter future,” Starmer said.
“Last Diwali the Leader of the Opposition (Sunak) and his family lit lamps outside 10 Downing Street. It was an important moment in our national story. The first British Asian Prime Minister is a reminder that this is a country where people at every The background has fulfilled his dreams, and it makes us all proud to be British,” said PM Starmer, who joined 10 Downing on Tuesday evening on the occasion of Diwali by his Indian-origin predecessor. Followed the trend of lighting lamps on the street stairs.
Sunak jokingly reiterated his intention to take his place on the Commons backbench as Member of Parliament for Richmond and Northallerton in Yorkshire, alluding to some media speculation about his planned relocation to California.
“Today is my last appearance at PMQs and I’m delighted to confirm reports that I will now be spending more time in the greatest place on Earth, where the scenery is truly worthy of a movie set and everyone is a character. Is – that’s right, if anyone needs me, I’ll be in Yorkshire,” he said, prompting laughter from his parliamentary colleagues.
The Tory leadership election is due to conclude on Saturday, when two of Sunak’s former cabinet colleagues – Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick – will be announced as leader of the Conservatives to replace Sunak as leader of the opposition.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
