25 Oct 2022

Rishi Sunak to become new UK Prime Minister

From Nine To Noon, 9:05 am on 25 October 2022

The United Kingdom has its third leader in two months, after Rishi Sunak won the Conservative Party's latest leadership contest.

The former chancellor will take over from Liz Truss, who resigned on Friday -  just 45 days into her premiership following a disastrous mini-budget that sparked economic turmoil.

Mr Sunak will be sworn in after meeting with King Charles tomorrow after his nearest rival, Penny Mourdant, apparently failed to secure the 100 nominations required to stay in the race.

There had been speculation Liz Truss' predecessor Boris Johnson could make a comeback, but early yesterday he released a statement saying he had decided not to run.

So who is Rishi Sunak, and will he be able to bring some stability to the Tory Party?

Kathryn is joined by UK correspondent Matt Dathan, Home Affairs Editor at The Times.

Rishi Sunak, Britain's former chancellor of the exchequer, during the campaign in July 2022 to become the Conservative leader and prime minister.

Rishi Sunak, Britain's former chancellor of the exchequer, during the campaign in July 2022 to become the Conservative leader and prime minister. Photo: AFP / Justin Tallis