LONDON (TIP): Indian – Origin British finance minister Rishi Sunak on Monday, October 5, denied he had ambitions to replace Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

“Oh God. No. Definitely not,” Sunak said, chuckling, when asked if he wanted the keys to Number 10 Downing Street. “Seeing what the prime minister has to deal with – this is a job hard enough for me to do.”

“I think he and I are personally close,” Sunak said. He confirmed Johnson called him “Rish”.

When asked what he called Johnson, Sunak said: “I call him Prime Minister. He keeps trying to tell me to call him other things… but I just stick with PM.”

“I grew up watching my parents serve our local community with dedication. My dad was an NHS family GP and my mum ran her own local chemist shop. I wanted to make that same positive difference to people as their Member of Parliament and I was first elected to represent this wonderful constituency in 2015 and re-elected in 2017 and 2019. I live in Kirby Sigston, just outside Northallerton.

I have been fortunate to enjoy a successful business career. I co-founded a large investment firm, working with companies from Silicon Valley to Bangalore. Then I used that experience to help small and entrepreneurial British companies grow successfully. From working in my mum’s tiny chemist shop to my experience building large businesses, I have seen first-hand how politicians should support free enterprise and innovation to ensure our future prosperity.

My parents sacrificed a great deal so I could attend good schools. I was lucky to study at Winchester College, Oxford University and Stanford University. That experience changed my life and as a result I am passionate about ensuring everybody has access to a great education. I have been a school governor, a board member of a large youth club, and have always volunteered my time to education programs that spread opportunity.

I have been lucky to live, study and work internationally. I met my wife, Akshata, in California where we lived for a number of years before returning home. We have two daughters, Krishna and Anoushka, who keep us busy and entertained.

In July 2019 I was appointed Chief Secretary to the Treasury, having entered Government service as the Minister for Local Government in January 2018. In February 2020, I had the honor to be appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer.”, Sunak once said about himself.