Rishi Sunak Not Ruling Out Boris Johnson’s Return to Cabinet
Sunak and Johnson Relationship
Rishi Sunak has hinted at the possibility of Boris Johnson returning to the Cabinet, highlighting that they still maintain communication despite their well-documented differences. The former allies were on the brink of a showdown for the Tory leadership following Liz Truss’s resignation, only for Johnson to withdraw his candidacy.
Sunak’s Comments on a Potential Return
During an interview on ITV’s Tonight programme, Sunak acknowledged his past collaboration with Johnson, stating, “I’m proud of the work that we did together.” When probed about the likelihood of Johnson rejoining the Cabinet, Sunak remained diplomatic, refusing to delve into personnel matters but admitting, “I speak to him on occasion.”
Sunak’s Reflections on Personal Life
In a bid to portray a more personal side, No10 released a childhood photo of Rishi Sunak coinciding with an interview shedding light on his upbringing. Sunak recounted instances of racism he encountered as a child and shared his mother’s emphasis on not speaking with an accent to blend in.
Challenges Faced by Sunak
Sunak’s wife, Akshata Murty, revealed the PM’s struggle to balance family time amidst his demanding role, noting that they try to cherish moments together, particularly during a family breakfast where Sunak takes charge of cooking a Full English breakfast.
Tory Party Unity
Despite internal debates and clashes within the Tory party, Johnson emphasized party unity and downplayed any significant divisions, citing that most members are aligned. He refuted claims of widespread plotting against him and underscored the imperative of a united front to appeal to voters.
Dealing with Racism
Reflecting on the racism faced during his childhood, Sunak discussed the poignant impact of such experiences, emphasizing the efforts made by his parents to shield their children from discrimination. He recalled distressing incidents where derogatory remarks were directed at his family in public spaces.
FAQs
What led to Boris Johnson’s resignation as an MP?
Boris Johnson resigned as an MP amidst mounting scrutiny over his involvement in the Partygate scandal, where a report revealed repeated dishonesty on his part.
How did Rishi Sunak contribute to Boris Johnson’s premiership?
Rishi Sunak served as Chancellor during Boris Johnson’s tenure as PM, playing a significant role in the government before resigning in July 2022.
What revelations did Rishi Sunak make about his childhood experiences?
Rishi Sunak opened up about encountering racism during his childhood, highlighting his family’s efforts to ensure their children assimilated by not speaking with accents.
What insights did Akshata Murty offer about Rishi Sunak’s family life?
Akshata Murty shared details about the challenges Rishi Sunak faces in balancing his responsibilities, mentioning their attempts to carve out family time, particularly through a weekly family breakfast tradition.
How did Boris Johnson emphasize party unity within the Tories?
Boris Johnson underscored the importance of unity within the Tory party, dismissing claims of extensive plotting against him and emphasizing the need for coherence to appeal to voters.
What motivated Sunak’s mother to discourage speaking with an accent?
Rishi Sunak’s mother was keen on her children not speaking with accents to help them assimilate better into society and avoid standing out due to differences.
