Rishi Sunak, the UK’s Prime Minister, has often been in the spotlight not just for his political manoeuvres but also for his considerable personal wealth. Here are 21 instances that have highlighted the financial gulf between Sunak and the average Briton, reminding everyone of his affluent background.
1. The Famous Prada Loafers
The Famous Prada Loafers: Sunak was spotted wearing £180 Prada loafers at a construction site, an unusual choice for the setting and a stark reminder of his wealth.
2. The Lavish Yorkshire Manor
The Lavish Yorkshire Manor: Sunak’s Grade II-listed manor in Yorkshire, valued at over £1.5 million, showcases his ability to afford luxury living spaces.
3. His Wife’s Billionaire Status
His Wife’s Billionaire Status: Sunak’s marriage to Akshata Murthy, the daughter of an Indian billionaire, adds to the perception of his disconnect from the average UK household’s financial struggles.
4. The “Instagrammable” Designer Mug
The “Instagrammable” Designer Mug: A video call snapshot revealed Sunak drinking from a £180 “smart mug,” a detail that didn’t go unnoticed by the public.
5. The Expensive Suits
The Expensive Suits: Often seen in suits that scream designer, Sunak’s wardrobe choices speak volumes about his financial status.
6. California’s Silicon Valley Penthouse
California’s Silicon Valley Penthouse: The Sunaks own a penthouse in California worth millions, highlighting their international property portfolio.
7. The Private School Education
The Private School Education: Sunak’s education at Winchester College, one of the UK’s most expensive schools, underscores a privileged upbringing.
8. The Holiday in Exclusive Resorts
The Holiday in Exclusive Resorts: Sunak’s family vacations often take them to exclusive resorts, inaccessible to the average UK family.
9. The “Green” Car Tax Break Benefit
The “Green” Car Tax Break Benefit: Sunak’s ownership of a luxurious electric car, which qualifies for a green tax break, contrasts sharply with the average family’s vehicle choices.
10. The Charitable Trust
The Charitable Trust: The Sunaks manage a charitable trust with assets worth millions, demonstrating their capacity to give back, yet also highlighting their immense wealth.
11. A Lavish Wardrobe for His Dog
A Lavish Wardrobe for His Dog: Sunak’s dog has been seen sporting a luxurious quilted jacket, indicative of a lifestyle where even the pets are pampered.
12. The Personalized Home Gym
The Personalized Home Gym: Reports of a bespoke home gym suggest a level of home renovation far beyond the means of most.
13. A Collection of Luxury Watches
A Collection of Luxury Watches: Sunak’s penchant for high-end watches serves as a regular reminder of his affluence.
14. The £30,000 “She Shed”
The £30,000 “She Shed”: Sunak’s installation of an expensive garden retreat for his wife at their manor was a detail that caught the public’s eye.
15. Gourmet Meals
Gourmet Meals: Sunak has been known to enjoy meals at some of the UK’s most expensive restaurants, a stark contrast to the dining options of the average citizen.
16. The Dior Photoshoot
The Dior Photoshoot: Sunak’s participation in a glossy magazine photoshoot, wearing Dior, reinforced perceptions of his elite status.
17. Exclusive Club Memberships
Exclusive Club Memberships: Membership in exclusive clubs and societies further separates Sunak from the general populace.
18. Luxury Holiday Getaways
Luxury Holiday Getaways: Sunak’s preference for skiing holidays in upscale resorts is yet another indicator of his financial standing.
19. The Family’s Private Jet Use
The Family’s Private Jet Use: While not directly his, Sunak’s family connections have seen him benefit from private jet travel, an unimaginable luxury for most.
20. The “Two Kitchens” Controversy
The “Two Kitchens” Controversy: Sunak’s home renovations, including having two kitchens, sparked debate and drew comparisons to past political controversies.
21. Wealth Declaration in Political Office
Wealth Declaration in Political Office: The mandatory declaration of wealth for his political office provided the public with concrete numbers, solidifying his status as one of the wealthiest individuals in Parliament.
Each of these instances serves as a reminder of the vast economic divide between Sunak’s lifestyle and that of the people he serves. While wealth itself isn’t a barrier to effective governance, these reminders often fuel discussions on empathy, understanding, and the ability of leaders to relate to the everyday challenges faced by their constituents.
The post 21 Things You Probably Don’t Know About Rishi Sunak first appeared on LoveLists.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Aidan Calderbank.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.