Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak intends to remain on the parliamentary backbenches despite growing speculation about his future, fueled by remarks from colleagues suggesting he might leave for California.
Friends close to Sunak indicate he is keen to defy such rumors, with one noting that he intends to “prove a point.”
Sunak, who represents Richmond and Northallerton, told colleagues his immediate focus is on his family. His children have recently settled into their school routines, and he is determined to avoid further disruptions after the upheaval of the past few years.
With an estimated family net worth of around £650 million, friends say Sunak feels little need to rush into any new, high-profile roles. However, artificial intelligence remains a key interest, suggesting he may pursue related projects over time.
A source familiar with his thinking shared, “Rishi’s a proud Yorkshire MP and he considers it the greatest of privileges to continue to serve his constituents.”
The source went on to emphasize Sunak’s enduring commitment, adding, “The same people who claimed he’d step down after losing to Liz [Truss] in 2022, and then said he would leave the day after the election, are now saying he’ll quit when he steps down as leader – and they are just as wrong now as they were then.”
Despite this dedication to his current role, sources close to Sunak admit he is unlikely to stand for re-election or play an active part in the Conservative Party’s future. However, he is far from the only figure assessing their position within the party.
Other senior Conservative officials, including some in the shadow cabinet, are rumored to be weighing their next steps. Tightening rules on second jobs have placed new limits on MPs seeking additional consultancy work, prompting concerns among some Tory members about their long-term prospects.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden has been among those rumored to be considering a future move, though his office has denied such plans. However, speculation within Tory circles suggests some MPs may quietly exit within the next year, waiting until after the current leadership stabilizes.
One senior Conservative noted, “It’s too disrespectful to voters and it’s too aggressive to the new leadership,” suggesting many MPs would rather delay any career changes until a more opportune moment.
Shifts in the Party and Sunak’s Long-Term Plans
As several former cabinet ministers look toward a potential return, Sunak’s approach stands apart. During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Sunak reaffirmed his love for Yorkshire, describing it as “the greatest place on earth.”
His playful commentary about “spending more time” in his home constituency sparked renewed interest, as he appears intent on demonstrating his loyalty to his roots.
At Wednesday’s budget session, Chancellor Rachel Reeves hinted at Sunak’s options, suggesting he might ultimately be drawn back to California. With a new air passenger duty on private jets, Reeves commented that a private flight to California would now cost “£450 per passenger.” This comment, coupled with Sunak’s connections to the U.S. tech sector, further ignited debate about his future.
MPs considering their own career changes face the imminent adjustments to second-job regulations. Jeremy Hunt, the shadow chancellor, recently announced his decision to step back from the Tory frontbench, citing a desire for “new faces” to engage the country. “We had a big drubbing in the election,” he said. “I think we have to be humble and reflect on that and show new faces to the country.”
Other high-ranking Tories are similarly contemplating their next moves. James Cleverly, the shadow home secretary, and a former leadership contender, announced he will not serve in a frontbench role under the current leadership. “I’m not particularly in the mood to be boxed back into a narrow band again,” he said, hinting at his desire for a broader role.
For now, Sunak’s commitment to the backbenches and Yorkshire appears steadfast, defying the assumptions about a swift exit to California.
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