Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Rising star Sunak loses some of his shine

Rising star Sunak loses some of his shine

British chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak is being accused of being out of touch with ordinary voters, in a sudden fall from grace just months after he was tipped as the next prime minister.

The star of the 41-year-old had been in ascendancy for his handling of public finances as the coronavirus pandemic devastated jobs and businesses.


But it has lost some of its lustre following a mini-budget on Wednesday which he said was designed to tackle cost-of-living pressures that are soaring.

At the same time, he is facing awkward questions about his billionaire wife and her father, whose company has had to play down its business ties in Russia.

Rishi Sunak denies family benefitting from Putin's regime in an interview Chancellor of the UK's Exchequer Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images)

Sunak -- who has billed himself as a low-tax Conservative -- was branded a "fiscal illusionist" by a think-tank for claiming to cut taxes but allowing the overall tax burden to rise.

What he hailed as "the largest single personal tax cut in a decade" in fact set taxes on course to rise to their highest level as a fraction of national income since just after World War II.

Paul Johnson, head of the Institute for Fiscal Studies think-tank, said Sunak had done nothing to protect the poorest by increasing welfare payments in line with inflation.

"He continues, despite his rhetoric, to be a chancellor presiding over a very big increase in the tax burden," he told reporters on Thursday.

"What he did was not enough even to stop the expected tax burden rising yet further."

Sunak's headline policy was a cut in fuel duty by five pence (0.06 euro, $0.07) for a year.

But that reduction was immediately swallowed up by rising fuel costs attributed to market instability blamed on Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The chancellor -- nicknamed "Dishy Rishi" because of his slick Instagram-ready profile -- was then photographed filling up a car at a supermarket petrol station.

But the car in question, a humble Kia Rio, did not belong to the wealthy former Goldman Sachs analyst, but had been borrowed from a supermarket employee.

He then appeared confused as to how to pay for the fuel and a can of soft drink at the check-out.

- Russia questions -

The fall-out from Wednesday has dogged Sunak, with unfavourable headlines even from normally supportive newspapers.

He has also had to fend off questions about his wider family.

On Thursday, he was grilled over his wife Akshata Murthy's share in the Indian IT giant, Infosys, which was co-founded by her father NR Narayana Murthy.

She owns a stake in the company worth around $1.0 billion, according to the company's disclosure to the stock exchange.

With Britain and others seeking to isolate Russia economically over its invasion of Ukraine, he was asked whether Infosys was also reducing its presence there.

"I have absolutely no idea because I have nothing to do with that company," an uncomfortable-looking Sunak told Sky News.

"I am an elected politician and I'm here to talk to you about what I am responsible for, my wife is not."

Infosys itself said it had committed $1.0 million towards relief efforts for victims of the war, saying it has "a small team of employees based out of Russia, that services some of our global clients, locally."

- Personal wealth -

Sunak's private wealth and the fortunes of his in-laws are more than likely to be used again as a weapon by his political opponents, particularly in financially straitened times.

He was once dubbed "the Maharajah of the Yorkshire Dales" in a magazine profile, in a reference to his rural constituency in northern England.

But his background is comparatively humble: his father was a doctor and mother a pharmacist, and he grew up in Southampton, on England's south coast.

He became the first person born in the 1980s to hold one of the top four jobs in British politics, after a career in finance and a first-class degree at Oxford University.

Sunak and Murthy married in 2009, in a relatively modest affair, but the reception was attended by around 1,000 guests including politicians, industrialists and cricketers.

Murthy's personal wealth has previously raised questions in the British media, with some of her reportedly lavish presents to her husband, including a £180 "smart mug" and £95 sliders, causing him embarrassment.

The couple, who have two daughters, own at least four properties, including a £7-million five-bedroom house in the swishy London district of Kensington. They also own a flat in Santa Monica, California -- and a photogenic dog called Nova.

Murthy dabbled in finance and marketing and in 2010 created her own fashion label.

More For You

Nintendo Switch 2 demand exceeds

To address the ongoing demand, Nintendo is working to increase production

iStock

Nintendo Switch 2 demand exceeds supply globally, says company president

Key points

  • Nintendo Switch 2 demand outstripping supply in several countries
  • Over 2.2 million applications submitted in Japan’s lottery sales
  • Nintendo held four purchase draws, with a fifth scheduled for early July
  • Company aims to strengthen production and supply to meet demand
  • Switch 2 had the biggest launch in Nintendo history

Strong demand leads to shortages

Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has confirmed that demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 has surpassed available supply in many regions. Speaking during the Q&A session of the company’s 85th annual general meeting of shareholders, Furukawa addressed concerns about ongoing stock shortages.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ranveer Singh

Ranveer Singh in a still from Lootera that captured his most restrained performance

Twelve years of 'Lootera': 5 reasons Ranveer Singh’s most understated role still holds up

Quick highlights:

  • Ranveer’s subtle performance in Lootera marked a major shift from his usual high-energy roles.
  • The 1950s-set romantic drama became a career milestone for the actor.
  • His restrained, emotionally complex portrayal earned long-term critical acclaim.
  • The film showcased a successful collaboration with director Vikramaditya Motwane.
  • As Dhurandhar builds buzz, Lootera reminds us of Ranveer’s range.

Twelve years ago, Ranveer Singh surprised audiences with Lootera, a period romance that asked him to do something unfamiliar: stay still. Set in 1950s Bengal and directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the film gave Ranveer the space to deliver one of his most subdued and mature performances. No outbursts. No spectacle. Just quiet heartbreak.

  Lootera released in 2013 and marked a stylistic shift for Ranveer Singh Prime Video  

Keep ReadingShow less
Ping Pong restaurant chain shuts all UK branches

The chain had also gained a following for its themed brunches

iStock

Ping Pong restaurant chain shuts all UK branches after 20 years

Key points

  • Chinese dim sum restaurant Ping Pong has closed all its UK locations
  • The chain made the announcement via social media
  • Founded in 2005, the brand thanked customers and staff for their support
  • Loyal diners shared memories and disappointment in the comments

All branches are permanently closed

Chinese restaurant chain Ping Pong has permanently closed all its branches in the UK, the company confirmed in a social media announcement.

Founded in 2005 by restaurateur Kurt Zdesar, the dim sum chain had become popular for its stylish interiors, creative menus, and Asian-inspired cocktails. The company did not provide prior notice of the closure but said the decision marked the end of an “unforgettable” 20-year journey.

Keep ReadingShow less
Court to review teen's sentence in Bhim Kohli case
Bhim Kohli

Court to review teen's sentence in Bhim Kohli case

THE seven-year prison sentence handed to a 15-year-old boy convicted of the manslaughter of 80-year-old Bhim Sen Kohli is to be reviewed under the UK’s Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.

The Attorney General’s Office confirmed on Friday (5) that the teenager’s sentence will now be considered by the Court of Appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dalai Lama hopes to live 'beyond 130 years'

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama attends a prayer meet held for his long life at the Dalai Lama temple in the northern hill town of Dharamshala, India, July 5, 2025. REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis

Dalai Lama hopes to live 'beyond 130 years'

THE Dalai Lama said on Saturday (5) he hopes to live until he is more than 130 years old, two decades longer than his previous prediction, following his assurance to followers that he would reincarnate as the spiritual head of the faith upon his death.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner was speaking during a ceremony organised by his followers to offer prayers for his long life, ahead of his 90th birthday on Sunday (6), and as China insists it will choose his successor. The Dalai Lama told Reuters in December he might live to 110.

Keep ReadingShow less