Sunak, an investment banker turned politician of Indian origin, became the third Conservative leader to reside in 10 Downing Street in a year. On October 25 he became the first person of colour to serve as prime minister of the United Kingdom. The administration of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson was beset by corruption problems, while his successor Liz Truss lasted just 50 days. The catastrophic Covid-19 pandemic, which claimed the lives of almost 2.17 lakh people, was still having an impact on the UK. Because of the interruption to global supply chains and the energy crises brought on by the Russia-Ukraine war, Britons were struggling to afford the high cost of living.

Sunak pledged to lead the nation with “integrity, professionalism, and accountability” at every level in his inaugural speech as prime minister. In his manifesto, he called for, among other things, “a stronger NHS, better schools, safer streets, control of borders, and protection of the environment.” His performance in each of these areas has been mixed for more than three months.

Under Fire for Cabinet Choices

Sunak’s promise to protect integrity came under question shortly after he became PM due to his selection of Gavin Williamson, Dominic Raab, and Suella Braverman for crucial Cabinet positions. Williamson and Raab have been charged with harassing government employees, and Baverman left the Truss cabinet due to claims of security breaches. Though Williamson left the position a few weeks later, Sunak has come under fire from the Labour party for being “too weak” to take action about the bullying claims because of Raab’s position as deputy prime minister. Sunak originally defended Nadhim Zahawi, the leader of the Conservative Party, but last week he was forced to fire him due to tax suspicions.

Along with internal politics, the British public sector employees’ and environmental groups’ ongoing strikes have been major obstacles during his administration. Millions of workers across the nation have gone on strike for better pay and benefits, first the nurses and ambulance workers, then the rail crews, and now the teachers, crippling public transportation, understaffing hospitals, and maybe closing schools, disrupting daily life.

Tackles Global Fallout, Visits Ukraine

On the international front, Sunak’s first days at work were occupied by handling the effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Brexit on the UK’s trade sector. One of his first actions after being appointed prime minister was a surprise trip to Ukraine, where he met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy.  After the trip, during which he promised to donate £50 million in aid to Ukraine, he posted on Twitter, “We are with you all the way.” Zelenskyy strongly denied rumors that he favored Johnson, who was a fervent supporter of Ukraine.

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