Britain's new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak delays crunch budget plan
The Hindu
Following a meeting of his new Cabinet, Mr. Sunak engaged in his first parliamentary joust with Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer, who is demanding a snap general election
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday postponed an eagerly awaited Budget plan due next week, as the youthful new leader got down to business after weeks of political turmoil.
Following a meeting of his new Cabinet, Mr Sunak engaged in his first parliamentary joust with Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer, who is demanding a snap general election.
Mr. Sunak, 42, ruled out an early election — not due for at least two years — as he vowed stability and fiscal rectitude following his appointment by King Charles III on Tuesday.
He succeeds Liz Truss, who served just 49 days in Downing Street.
"We will have to take difficult decisions to restore economic stability and confidence," Mr. Sunak told MPs at his first "Prime Minister's Questions".
He added that his Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt would set out a detailed plan "in just a few weeks".
"What I can say, as we did during COVID-19, we will always protect the most vulnerable, we will do this in a fair way," Mr. Sunak insisted.