The Wall_Spring 2023_Issue 9

importantly, she mishandled economic policy, owing to a fundamental misunderstanding of how markets work and how fragile the British economy is. This sent shockwaves across international markets and damaged investor confidence in the United Kingdom. She and her chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, were arrogant.These were unintentional errors that could not be reversed without looking like a weak leader. Her resignation followed after seven weeks in office making her the shortest serving prime minister in British History. Rishi Sunak soon followed as Prime Minister, becoming the first Prime Minister of colour to be in the highest position in British Politics. U.S. president Joe Biden described Sunak’s appointment as “pretty astounding” and “a ground-breaking milestone.” The appointment of Rishi Sunak also shows a step forward for inclusivity and diversity for UK Politics as there is a major stereotype that lingers around politicians in the United Kingdom Ultimately, I believe Rishi Sunak has been put in an impossible situation and there is uncertainty surrounding his ability to pull all the strings together to improve the United Kingdom. On the other hand, a general election will occur in 2023 and there is doubt that the Conservative party will have the success they had in the 2019 general election. The general sense of the British public is that they are fed up with the conservative party and believe that the Labour party will turn over the next page for the United Kingdom. But can Rishi Sunak turn the heads of the public and succeed for the Conservative party? Only time will tell.

Artwork: Jasmine Dent, S10

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