In a contentious exchange with Piers Morgan, Rishi Sunak has refrained from disclosing if he is a billionaire.
During a Talk TV interview to commemorate 100 days since he assumed leadership of No. 10, the PM was criticized for being “stinking wealthy” and called out for it.
After a long pause, Mr. Sunak, one of the wealthiest MPs, acknowledged being “financially blessed.” But he argued that his “values” and the fact that he had been raised to work “extremely hard” were what really counted.
In an effort to throw doubt on Mr. Sunak’s ability to comprehend the problems of common people amid the cost-of-living crisis, his opponents have pounced on his riches.
The premier’s wife is the daughter of one of India’s wealthiest men, in addition to having a successful career of her own in investment banking.
You’re filthy wealthy, right? Morgan questioned Mr. Sunak throughout the interview.
The Prime Minister finally spoke after an uncomfortable pause, saying, “Well, I believe most people would consider I’m financially blessed, sure.”
However, he said, “I believe that what people need to understand is what my beliefs are. That, in my opinion, is the most crucial factor.
“That’s how I was raised.” My parents immigrated to this country, and they brought with them an immigrant attitude that was centered on working as hard as they possibly could while giving up everything to ensure that their children would have a better future and that we would fit in and integrate into British society.
“That’s how I was brought up.” I was brought up to work really hard, to act morally, and to take care of those who were less fortunate than you.
“Those are the benefits I offer to this position,” you say.
Am I fortunate in my finances today? said Mr. Sunak. Most people would say that I am quite lucky in terms of money.
Morgan asked Mr. Sunak for an estimate of his net worth and inquired as to whether he was a billionaire.
Mr. Sunak said, “I’m not going to go into it.”
“My principles and the activities I do for the nation matter more than how much money I have in my bank account,” I said.
»Discomfort Piers Morgan asks Rishi Sunak whether he’s “stinking wealthy.”«