UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Marks Challenging First Year in Office Amid Political and Economic Struggles

Sunak marks his first anniversary in office amidst mounting challenges, including an ongoing international conflict, a plaguing health system, and growing voter discontent as the Conservatives trail 15-20 points behind Labour in polls.

Rishi Sunak marked his first year as UK Prime Minister, facing significant domestic and international challenges including an ongoing conflict in Israel and Russia's war in Ukraine, a struggling health care system, and declining popularity of the Conservative Party.
Sunak ascended to the role after the short and tumultuous tenure of his predecessor, Liz Truss, who resigned after her budget plan caused a financial crisis. He managed to stabilise the markets and repair relationships with the EU after succeeding her.
Despite efforts at domestic reform, including aims to reduce inflation, stimulate economic growth, and curb migration, opinion polls show a consistent 15 to 20 point gap between the Conservatives and Labour, with many fearing a repetition of 1997 when the Tories were ousted after a prolonged period in power.
Attempts by Sunak to reinvent his image as a populist, with decision to slow phase-out of fossil fuels, curtailing an overbudget railway project and plans to effectively ban smoking, have been met with criticism, with former Conservative lawmaker Justine Greening labeling these as an 'incoherent hodgepodge of policies'.
As Sunak enters his second year in office, his challenges persist, with continuing high inflation, an overburdened health system and widespread public discontent. With the Conservatives enduring significant losses in recent byelections, many within and outside the party remain skeptical of Sunak's prospects for a turnaround.