Between an impressive real estate portfolio and a thriving career in finance – Britain’s new prime minister is believed to be the wealthiest to hold a parliamentary position. In fact, he and his wife Akshata Murthy reportedly boast a collective fortune greater than that of King Charles III. Here’s a look at Rishi Sunak’s net worth.
The most powerful person in the United Kingdom at the moment – Rishi Sunak has made it to the headlines for many firsts. He’s the country’s first non-christian Prime Minister of colour who also happens to be the youngest in 210 years. However, the most talked about aspect of his new position is the fact that he’s officially the wealthiest occupant of Number 10 Downing Street.
The former finance minister and investment banker has been a consistent name in Britain’s richest people lists – courtesy of the fortune held by his wife Akshata Murthy – daughter of N.R Narayana Murthy of the tech giant Infosys fame. While the two haven’t commented personally on this, reports credit real estate as well as other investments for this.
Rishi Sunak’s net worth
Together, Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murthy hold a collective net worth of about USD 810 million (Rs 6,661 crores approximately) – greater than that of the monarch in Buckingham Palace (USD 500 million, Rs 4,112 crores).
Infosys connection
Infosys’ net worth alone is estimated in a report by Forbes to be around USD 4.5 billion (Rs 37,065 crores approx.). Murthy, 42, owns about 0.93 percent stake in the IT firm, which amounts to USD 715 million (Rs 5,890 crores approx.) This makes for the largest part of their combined fortune. Headquartered in Bangalore, the company provides outsourcing, business consulting, and information technology services.
Real estate investments
As per multiple news sources, the couple owns four homes across the United Kingdom and Canada. The largest of these is the 19th-century, heritage mansion Manor House in North Yorkshire which cost them about USD 2.3 million (Rs 18 crores approx.). Of late, the two have come under scrutiny for spending over USD 450,000 (Rs 3 crores approx.) to build a leisure centre with a 40-foot swimming pool, gym, and outdoor tennis court in the property.
Their other main residence a four-bedroom space in upscale Kensington which cost USD 7.1 million (Rs 58 crores approx.).These aside, Sunak owns an apartment in South Kensington, which he’d bought for about USD 300,000 (Rs 2 crores approx). In the US – California to be specific – the couple owns a penthouse in Santa Monica that’s valued at USD 7.5 million (Rs 61 crores approx.). Combined, their real estate portfolio is worth about USD 18.3 million (150 crores approx.)
Other assets
Besides these – Murthy owns venture capital firm Catamaran Ventures UK worth USD 4 million (Rs 32 crores approx.) Sunak owned about 50 percent of the company until he transferred his shares over to his wife before entering the parliament. Today, the company has reportedly invested in Qatar royal family-backed investment firm dara5, MRI scanner manufacturer Hallmarq, Elon Musk’s SpaceX, social news aggregation site Reddit, and gaming company Loco. Murthy also holds a 5 percent stake in International Market Management, which owns Immassociates Mauritius – the name behind four Wendy’s in New Delhi as well as 11 franchises of Jamie Oliver’s restaurants in India. She owns a large portion of the couple’s wealth.
Salary as the British Prime Minister
Sunak’s earning through his career in finance is largely shrouded in mystery. However, as a member of the parliament he earned about USD 95,000 (Rs 78 lakh approx.) This increases to over USD 185,000 (Rs 1.5 crore approx.) as the British Prime Minister.
In a report by Reuters, he was asked how he could relate to the public considering his personal wealth was greater than that of the monarch. He noted, “I think in our country, we judge people not by their bank account, we judge them by their character and their actions. And yes, I’m really fortunate to be in the situation I’m in now, but I wasn’t born like this.”
He further added, “My parents worked really hard to provide me with all these opportunities. I’m not going to apologise for what they did for me. And in fact, that’s why I want to do this job because I want to provide those opportunities for everyone else.”
All images: Courtesy Rishi Sunak
Eshita is a food, alcohol, travel, and entertainment writer who spends her days zeroing in on the next big trend to write about. She’s a communication graduate with bylines in Conde Nast Traveller India, GQ India, Deccan Herald, and Girls Buzz. When not at work, you’re likely to find her hunting for a good read or charting out the perfect itinerary for a solo trip across Asia.
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