The Many Things Rishi Sunak Doesn't Want You to Know

[cbabe]

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2022/10/25/many-things-rishi-sunak-doesnt-want-you-know

The Many Things Rishi Sunak Doesn't Want You to Know

From offshore dealings to right-wing think tanks, here's our guide to the man who will become the UK's richest PM.

(Privileged class, cuts to social programs, no covid lockdown…)

Prime minister Rishi Sunak—reportedly the richest MP in Parliament—will be a boon for the financial lobby, tax justice campaigners have warned.

The man trounced by Liz Truss just weeks ago has been confirmed as her replacement with the exit of Penny Mordaunt from the Tory leadership contest. But experts say Sunak has not been transparent with his finances and that his hedge fund background raises questions about his commitment to fighting tax avoidance.

His profile has risen sharply since he became chancellor in early 2020, just weeks before the first lockdown began. But critics say a slick public marketing campaign has disguised a man with an ultra-privileged background, who is a committed Thatcherite ideologue.

Here's the openDemocracy guide to the UK's next prime minister, originally published in January 2022.

…more…

[dutch777]

1. Another less than ideal PM. Wonder how long the Tories can push off a general election?

I am impressed how fast Britain can change PMs but given they are tied to what may be a now unpopular ruling majority party and its related policies (or lack thereof) leaves the average person essentially voiceless until the next general election. Also leads to greater frustration on the parts of Ireland and Scotland that could further boost push for seceding from the UK. And King Charles does not have the strong standing his mother had which could encourage the Commonwealth nations to consider leaving the fold. The US is not the only one with political problems.

[jimfields33]

2. Britain is very strange. 3 PM's in two months.

I don’t understand why they can’t just stick with one. For all our warts, I’m glad that we have our government. It’s exciting to see a person of color as the PM though. I’m surprised they aren’t mentioning it more. It’s a big deal!

[dutch777]

4. You are right. Last time I was in London, people of color were definitely "other".

Like for us and with Obama, many of us thought no big deal or about time but for others it was too much too soon. We will soon see.

[jimfields33]

5. I like how "we" said about time. Exciting night in 2008.

[peppertree]

3. Money laundering's definitely kept that one in curry

Churchill warned, to paraphrase, that the best way to bring a country to its knees, is by letting domestic corruption fester.

And today's Tories are living proof of that.