One of the primary reasons why Rishi Sunak could not become the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom was that he happened to be a British citizen of Asian origin. It would have been unthinkable for the Tories in particular, who enjoy the support of a traditional electorate, to allow an Asian and that too a practicing Hindu to be the head of their government there. However, destiny always provides for many twists and turns and the game for the top job has once again commenced with Liz Truss making a quick and unceremonious exit because of her inability to handle the various challenges facing her government. Rishi Sunak’s supporters claim that he has the backing of over 100 MPs which is required, but the former Chancellor has not officially declared his candidacy, like former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The only official candidate in the fray so far is the Leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt. The uncertainty over who shall be the next PM may end as early as on Monday. However, there are multiple jokes doing the rounds of the social media which not only debunk the current leadership but also make fun of how applications have once again been invited for 10, Downing Street, the best short stay home in London. The best on the WhatsApp circuit is that Just heard on the grapevine. Truss will now fly first class for the rest of her life. No one wants her anywhere near business and economy’’. Even the Ajit jokes have returned with Ajit asking Raabert that he should tie a wrist watch on Liz’s right forearm since she already has one on her left wrist. Once this happens, Liz would beDo Ghadi ki Mehmaan’’. Humour apart, the crisis in Britain is serious and needs to be handled deftly by the leadership of the ruling dispensation. The Opposition has already called for fresh elections on the plea that the Tories have failed to provide stability to the democracy, and the country was plunging from one problem into the other. While the West Minister model is admirable with many countries following it while pursuing parliamentary democracy, it is appearing to be flawed because of recent happenings. Many people had a lot of hops from Boris Johnson who they feel let them down. The parting with the European Union has its own ramifications and unless and until there is strong leadership that gets thrown up, the country would suffer. Truss was the last PM who took over her office during the long and distinguished reign of Queen Elizabeth. The next UK PM would be the first to occupy the august office during the reign of King Charles. Boris Johnson’s opponents feel that the country cannot be allowed to go backwards. “We cannot have another episode of the soap opera of partygate. We must get the country and the government moving forward’’. Rishi Sunak appears to be the best man for the job at this juncture but in a country where racial discrimination is a reality, he may not be able to achieve his life’s ambition. It is very vital for British democracy to allow the events of the past several months to become a part of history so that the new leader can come out with a fresh vision for the empire which at one time ruled most of the world.
Pankaj Vohra
