In a significant blow to the wealth of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty, the couple has experienced a staggering loss of GBP 201 million (₹2072 crore approx) in the past year. With family ties to Indian business tycoon Narayana Murthy, the founder of Infosys, and renowned philanthropist Sudha Murty, Sunak and Murty have faced substantial financial setbacks primarily due to a significant fall in the shares of Infosys, where they hold a substantial stake.
Previously ranked 222nd in The Sunday Times Rich List, the power couple’s fortunes have taken a hit, and they now find themselves at the 227th position this year. Last year marked their debut on the list, with their stake in Infosys valued at approximately GBP 690 million. However, in the face of a 20% decline in Infosys shares over the past 12 months, their wealth has plummeted to GBP 529 million. It is worth noting that Sunak, as the richest ever occupant of 10 Downing Street, has often been a target for opposition politicians who accuse him of being out of touch with the challenges faced by ordinary people amidst a cost-of-living crisis that has left many Britons financially strained.
Despite his role as the UK’s prime minister, which comes with an annual salary of about 165,000 pounds ($208,246), Sunak’s personal fortune has experienced a notable decrease. The Rich List estimated his wealth to be around 730 million pounds last year, but it has now dropped to 529 million in 2023, primarily due to the decline in the value of his stake in Infosys. The financial setback faced by the ultra-super-rich couple highlights the volatility of the stock market and its impact on even the wealthiest individuals. The decline in their wealth underscores the challenges faced by those at the top of the economic ladder and raises questions about their ability to relate to the struggles of everyday citizens during these trying times.