During his tenure as Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak found himself haunted by a particular phrase – “Stop the Boats.” In a recent interview following his exit from Downing Street, Sunak expressed regret for using such a stark and binary slogan, admitting that it was an unattainable promise. Reflecting on his time in office, Sunak shared various insights in a comprehensive discussion for the Political Thinking podcast, delving into the mistakes he acknowledges making, his disagreements with Boris Johnson over economic management, and the radical policies he wished he could have enacted.
Sunak, who oversaw the Conservative Party’s worst election defeat, emphasized the challenges he faced in a turbulent political climate. As he navigated the economic and political crises that plagued his term, Sunak highlighted the necessity of maintaining stability for the country, despite lacking a clear mandate due to the abrupt changes in leadership within the Conservative Party. His approach aimed to unify factions and prevent a collapse that could further destabilize the nation.
Throughout his time in office, Sunak remained steadfast in his beliefs, advocating for policies such as deporting migrants to Rwanda and withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights unless significant reforms were implemented. Reflecting on his handling of migration issues, Sunak conceded that he should have taken action sooner to address escalating levels of net migration. Despite the challenges he faced during his unexpected ascension to the role of Prime Minister in 2022, Sunak remained resolute in his commitment to fulfilling his duties and steering the country through economic turmoil.
Despite his pride in steering the economy back to stability after facing the fallout from his predecessor’s unfunded tax cuts, Sunak acknowledged the fundamental ideological differences he shared with Boris Johnson regarding economic policy. As a proponent of small-state conservatism, Sunak clashed with Johnson’s approach to public spending and borrowing, emphasizing the need for fiscal restraint and prioritization of government expenditures. Sunak also outlined his vision for a more radical restructuring of the state, advocating for significant welfare cuts and increased defense spending while challenging existing commitments to net zero emissions
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