In a surprising turn of events, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is digging in his heels and insisting on remaining an MP, despite facing a barrage of jibes about his potential return to sunny California. Close friends of the ex-PM are adamant that Sunak is determined to prove a point by staying the course in Parliament.
According to sources close to Sunak, the decision to remain on the backbenches is driven by a desire to maintain stability for his family. With his children newly settled in school, Sunak is reportedly keen to avoid any further disruption to their lives after the turbulence of recent years.
No Rush for Lucrative Opportunities
Despite a family net worth estimated at around £650 million, insiders suggest that Sunak is in no hurry to pursue high-paying job opportunities. Instead, he is expected to focus on his keen interest in artificial intelligence, an area he is passionate about exploring further.
Rishi’s a proud Yorkshire MP and he considers it the greatest of privileges to continue to serve his constituents as the MP for Richmond and Northallerton.
– Source close to Rishi Sunak
While those close to Sunak concede that he is unlikely to stand in the next general election or play a significant role in shaping the Conservative party’s future, they are adamant that he will not be stepping down anytime soon. This comes despite speculation from some quarters that Sunak might opt for an early exit.
Other Tories Mulling Early Departure
In contrast to Sunak’s resolve to stay put, there are rumblings that several other senior Conservative figures, including some shadow cabinet ministers, may not see out the remainder of the current parliamentary term. The crackdown on second jobs is cited as a potential factor in their considerations.
It’s too disrespectful to voters and it’s too aggressive to the new leadership. But there are several who I think will not stay the course.
– Senior Conservative MP
Former Cabinet Ministers Seek Return
On the flip side, several former cabinet ministers who lost their seats in the last election are reportedly eager to make a comeback. Names like Grant Shapps, former Defence Secretary, and Simon Clarke, ex-Housing Secretary, are being touted as potential candidates for any opportune by-elections that may arise.
Sunak’s Cheeky Quip in Parliament
Addressing his future plans at his final Prime Minister’s Questions, Sunak couldn’t resist a bit of Yorkshire-themed humor:
I am happy to confirm reports that I will now be spending more time in the greatest place on earth, where the scenery is worthy of a movie set and everyone is a character. That’s right, Mr Speaker, if anyone needs me, I will be in Yorkshire.
– Rishi Sunak at Prime Minister’s Questions
However, this light-hearted moment didn’t stop Chancellor Rachel Reeves from taking a subtle dig at Sunak’s potential California dreaming. Introducing a new air passenger duty on private jets, Reeves quipped:
That is equivalent to £450 per passenger for a private jet to, say, California.
– Rachel Reeves, Chancellor
Impending Changes to Second Job Rules
The final set of changes to the rules on second jobs that the government plans to introduce could be a deciding factor for many Conservative MPs contemplating their future. These modifications are expected to significantly impact parliamentarians looking to secure lucrative consultancy work alongside their political roles.
Key Figures Signal Intentions
Jeremy Hunt, the shadow chancellor, has confirmed his intention to resign from the Tory front bench and return to the backbenches “for the next few years at least”. This move suggests that Hunt, like Sunak, is committed to serving out the remainder of the parliamentary term.
Meanwhile, James Cleverly, the shadow home secretary who finished third in the Conservative leadership ballot, has made it clear that he will not serve on the front bench of either candidate vying for the party’s top job. Speaking to the Financial Times, Cleverly stated:
I’m not particularly in the mood to be boxed back into a narrow band again.
– James Cleverly, Shadow Home Secretary
As the dust settles on the Conservative party’s electoral defeat and a new leadership takes shape, all eyes will be on the movements of key figures like Rishi Sunak. Will his determination to remain an MP inspire others to stay the course, or will the allure of new opportunities prove too strong for some? Only time will tell in this unfolding political drama.
