What's happened
Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty's wealth has surged to £651 million, surpassing King Charles III's £610 million, according to the Sunday Times Rich List. This increase comes amid a cost-of-living crisis affecting many Britons, with the number of billionaires in the UK declining significantly.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the BBC, Rishi Sunak's wealth increase is largely attributed to his wife Akshata Murty's shares in Infosys, which rose significantly in value. The Guardian highlights that this wealth surge occurs amidst a backdrop of economic hardship for many Britons, with the number of billionaires decreasing. The Independent notes that public sentiment is shifting, with a majority of voters supporting higher taxes on the wealthy to fund public services, reflecting growing concerns over inequality. Sky News emphasizes that the overall wealth of the richest individuals in the UK remains substantial, yet the decline in billionaires raises questions about the sustainability of such wealth in the current economic climate.
How we got here
The Sunday Times Rich List revealed that Rishi Sunak's wealth rose by £122 million over the past year, primarily due to his wife's shares in Infosys. This marks a significant moment as the couple's fortune now exceeds that of the monarchy, reflecting broader economic trends in the UK.
Common question
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