Rishi Sunak: The super-rich former banker who will be the first person of color to lead Britain Sunak first publicly declared on Sunday morning that he would be standing in the contest. Other than that brief statement, he made no big pitch for the leadership this time round. Rishi Sunak became the leader of the Conservatives yesterday after his former boss Boris Johnson called off his comeback bid and rival Penny Mordaunt failed to secure enough backing from Tory MPs. Rishi Sunak has been appointed Britain's Prime Minister by King Charles III, the palace said. Mr Sunak, 42, became the leader of the Conservatives yesterday after Boris Johnson called off his comeback bid and Penny Mordaunt didn't get enough backing. Rishi Sunak calls for stability and unity as he wins contes t to be PM