Rishi Sunak declares candidacy to be the new UK PM; says 'want to fix economy'

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• Oct 23, 2022 | Dhupali Das

Back in September, Rishi Sunak was defeated by Liz Truss in the race...

Digital Desk: British Conservative MP and former United Kingdom Finance Minister Rishi Sunak stated on Sunday that he will compete to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Liz Truss. This is his second bid in months to lead the UK as it deals with multiple crises.

"The United Kingdom is a great country but we face a profound economic crisis," he tweeted, confirming his widely-expected candidacy," adding, "I want to fix our economy, unite our party and deliver for our country".

Back in September, Rishi Sunak was defeated by Liz Truss in the race to replace Boris Johnson after losing an election held by members of the Conservative party across the country.

Since Liz Truss' resignation as prime minister, Rishi Sunak's support has surpassed the required threshold of 100, allowing him to reapply for the position. The reports claim that 100 MPs favour Boris Johnson as well.

"There will be integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level of the government I lead and I will work day in and day out to get the job done," Rishi Sunak said in a statement.

"I am asking you for the opportunity to help fix our problems," he said.

While Rishi Sunak previously lost to Liz Truss, her catastrophic political implosion after just 44 days in office has offered an almost instant opportunity for the Tory MP to re-enter the race to become Britain's first prime minister of colour.

It would be a historic moment if a Hindu descendant of immigrants from Britain's old empire in India and East Africa took command of the world's fifth-largest economy, albeit one in severe distress.

In the summer leadership race, Rishi Sunak was unable to persuade the voters that he was a superior choice to Truss. But having correctly predicted that her economic agenda would spark economic turmoil, he may hope for more success second time around.