Rishi Sunak launches his campaign to become UK PM

Rishi Sunak has announced he is standing to be the next prime minister after Boris Johnson’s resignation yesterday.

Sunak, of Indian origin, unveiled his “Ready For Rishi” campaign on social media with the publication of a video in which he can be seen telling the story of his mother’s journey to the UK as a teenager and his own upbringing.

“Let’s restore trust, rebuild the economy and reunite the country,” he told followers.

“I got into politics because I want everyone in those country to have those same opportunities to be able to give their children a better future,” Sunak said.

I’m standing to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and your Prime Minister.

Let’s restore trust, rebuild the economy and reunite the country. #Ready4Rishi

Sign up 👉 https://t.co/KKucZTV7N1 pic.twitter.com/LldqjLRSgF

— Ready For Rishi (@RishiSunak) July 8, 2022

“Our country faces huge challenges, the most serious for a generation, and the decisions we make today will decide whether the next generation will also have the chance of a better future.”

He said: “I want to lead this country in the right direction. I ran the toughest department in Government during the toughest times when we faced the nightmare of Covid.

“My values are non-negotiable. Patriotism, fairness, hard work. We’ve had enough of division. Politics at its best is a unifying endeavour, and I have spent my career bringing people together. Because that is the only way to succeed.”

The expectation is that a new leader will be elected before the Commons returns from summer recess in September — in about six weeks time.