Rishi Sunak Kicks Off Campaign For UK PM Post, Vows To Tackle Inflation, Reduce Tax Burden

Tory Leadership Campaign: Indian-origin Rishi Sunak on Tuesday formally launched his bid to become leader of the Conservative Party.

Former UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak launched his campaign for the prime minister's post on Tuesday, vowing to tackle soaring inflation and bringing the tax burden down. The 42-year-old Indian-origin MP, who is the son-in-law of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, also emphasised the need to "return to traditional Conservative economic values". 

"That means honesty and responsibility, not fairy tales. My values are clear -- hard work, patriotism, fairness, a love of family, pragmatism, but also an unshakable belief that we can build a better future," Sunak said.

Sunak said he would prioritise funding for the armed services. He also said that he had a plan to steer the British economy through these headwinds. Sunak promised to cut taxes once inflation, which hit a 40-year high of 9.1 per cent in May, was brought under control.

READ | Who Is Rishi Sunak? Indian-Origin British Politician In Race To Become UK's Next PM

"We need to have a grown up conversation about the central policy question that all candidates have to answer in this election. Do you have a credible plan to protect our economy and get it growing?" Sunak said.

"My message to the party and the country is simple: I have a plan to steer our country through these headwinds. Once we have gripped inflation, I will get the tax burden down. It is a question of when, not if," Sunak further said at the campaign event. He also launched a website ready4rishi.com

Sunak, who oversaw the country's response to the Covid-19 pandemic and provided about $ 481 billion in economic support, is one of the favourites to replace Johnson and has the largest support among Conservative lawmakers, Reuters reported. 

However, he courted controversy after it came to light that his wife had non-domiciled tax status and that he held a US green card while being a minister. His wife later said she would start to pay British tax on her global income.

Speaking on Boris Johnson, who stepped down as Conservative Party leader last week amid a widespread rebellion by Conservative lawmakers, Sunak said, "Johnson is one of the most remarkable people I have every met and, whatever some commentators may say, he has a good heart."