Rishi Sunak becomes British prime minister

Rishi Sunak was officially appointed Britain’s prime minister on Tuesday, making him the fifth person to take on the premiership in the last six years.

“I understand how difficult this moment is,” Sunak said in his first address.

“When the opportunity to serve comes along, you cannot question the moment, only your willingness,” he went on.

“So I stand here before you ready to lead our country into the future. To put your needs above politics. To reach out and build a government that represents the very best traditions of my party.”

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the prime minister, Sunak also acknowledged the “profound economic crisis” triggered by the mistakes of his predecessor, Liz Truss. She held onto Britain’s top political post for just 44 days before stepping down earlier this month. Sunak was selected to replace her as leader of the governing Conservative Party on Monday.

“The aftermath of COVID still lingers. Putin’s war in Ukraine has destabilized energy markets and supply chains the world over,” Sunak said as he also “paid tribute to” Truss.

“She was not wrong to want to improve growth in this country,” he continued. “It is a noble aim and I admired her restlessness to create change. But some mistakes were made.”

Sunak added: “Not borne of ill will or bad intentions, quite the opposite in fact. But mistakes nonetheless.”

Sunak on Tuesday also met at Buckingham Palace with King Charles III, who officially appointed him to the premiership.

At 42 years old, Sunak is the youngest British leader in more than 200 years. He also is the son of South Asian immigrants and is the first person of color as well as the first Hindu become Prime Minister.

With News Wire Services