What's happened
Rishi Sunak, the former UK Prime Minister and current MP, will begin writing a weekly column for The Sunday Times, covering topics like business, technology, and politics. His fees will support an education charity. The appointment has been approved by the relevant authorities.
What's behind the headline?
Sunak’s move into journalism signals a strategic effort to shape public discourse on economic and political issues. His extensive experience on the world stage and in government will lend credibility to his insights, potentially influencing public opinion and policy debates. The decision to donate his fees to The Richmond Project underscores a commitment to social causes, but also raises questions about the revolving door between politics and media. This role will likely enhance Sunak’s profile as a thought leader, positioning him for future influence in both business and politics. The timing suggests an attempt to reassert his relevance after recent political setbacks, leveraging media presence to maintain influence.
What the papers say
The Mirror highlights Sunak’s new role and his background, emphasizing his political and advisory activities, as well as the approval process by ACOBA. The Independent provides additional context about his previous roles, including academic appointments and his financial status, and underscores the significance of his appointment in the broader landscape of post-office influence. Both sources agree on the importance of Sunak’s experience and the strategic nature of his media engagement, though The Mirror emphasizes his recent advisory roles at tech giants and Goldman Sachs, while The Independent focuses on his academic and financial background. The coverage collectively portrays Sunak’s move as a calculated step to maintain relevance and influence, with a focus on his expertise and social contributions.
How we got here
Sunak, who served as UK Prime Minister and is MP for Richmond and Northallerton, has taken on multiple roles after his tenure, including advisory positions at tech firms and joining academic institutions. His new column in The Sunday Times aligns with his ongoing engagement in public and private sector activities, with his appointment cleared by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments.
Go deeper
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Rishi Sunak is a British politician who has served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party since 2022.
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The Sunday Times is a British newspaper whose circulation makes it the largest in the quality press market category. It is published by Times Newspapers Ltd, a subsidiary of News UK, which is in turn owned by News Corp.