LONDON, Dec 4: Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, are rumored to be planning the establishment of a new private office in the upcoming year, aimed at positively impacting Britain, as reported by UK media on Wednesday.
According to ‘The Times,’ the couple, both aged 44 and with an estimated combined wealth of around GBP 500 million, intends to self-fund the “Office of Akshata Murty and Rishi Sunak.”
They are currently deliberating on the office’s areas of focus, with a shared passion for education likely influencing their initiatives.
The newspaper reported, “Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, are discussing the launch of an office next year to pursue projects they believe will contribute positively to Britain.”
It noted that the former prime minister has opted to forgo the GBP 115,000 annual allowance typically available to ex-prime ministers, and that they are receiving support from Coulson Partners, a PR firm founded by Andy Coulson, a former adviser to No. 10 and newspaper editor.
After stepping down as the leader of the Conservative Party following a significant electoral loss in July, Sunak is now a backbench member of Parliament representing Richmond and Northallerton in Yorkshire.
In October, he participated in his final Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) as Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons, paving the way for his successor, Kemi Badenoch.
Addressing speculation regarding his family’s potential move to California, Sunak emphasized his commitment to spending more time in his constituency while continuing to raise important issues as a backbencher.
“I can confirm that I will be spending more time in the greatest place on earth, where the scenery is truly cinematic and everyone is a character – let it be known, if you’re looking for me, I’ll be in Yorkshire,” he quipped, eliciting laughter from his colleagues.
Last month, Britain’s first prime minister of Indian heritage received a warm reception at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s annual Diwali gala in London, where he was a guest of honor alongside Akshata and her mother, Sudha Murty.
During her tenure at 10 Downing Street, Akshata Murty, daughter of Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy, hosted a “Lessons at 10” program, offering children from across the UK the chance to explore behind the famous black door – the Prime Minister’s office and residence in London.
“I understand the hard work that goes into running a business. My mother’s contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics enabled her to break academic and professional boundaries, giving her a front-row seat to the technological revolution,” she stated during a special International Women’s Day edition of “Lessons at 10” in March.
The couple’s mutual interest in technology is likely to play a significant role in shaping the focus of their upcoming private office in the new year. (PTI)
