Former PM Becomes Sunday Times Columnist
Rishi Sunak, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has embarked on a new chapter in his public life, joining The Sunday Times as a newspaper columnist. His inaugural column, published on Sunday, October 26, 2025, saw him offer significant fiscal advice to the government ahead of the forthcoming UK budget.
As a columnist, Sunak will contribute weekly to the business section, covering a range of topics including business, technology, politics, and the economy. All fees accrued from his column will be donated to The Richmond Project, an education charity he co-founded with his wife, Akshata Murty. This charity aims to improve numeracy among children in the UK.
Caution Against Tax Rises for Upcoming Budget
In his first contribution, Sunak strongly cautioned the government against resorting to tax rises to strengthen the nation's finances. Addressing Chancellor Rachel Reeves, he argued that increasing taxes would be a 'disaster for the UK' and particularly damaging to economic growth, especially if concentrated on a narrow base. He emphasized that the choice is 'simple: spending cuts or tax rises,' asserting that the latter 'will crush confidence still further and depress growth, making next year's budget even more painful than this one will be.'
Sunak's intervention comes weeks before the UK's crucial Spending Review, scheduled for November 26, 2025. Drawing upon his experience as a former Chancellor and Prime Minister, he advocated for spending restraint and smarter management of public debt as the appropriate response to the UK's fiscal challenges.
Continued Public Engagements and Advisory Roles
Despite his new role as a columnist, Rishi Sunak continues to serve as an MP for Richmond and Northallerton. His appointment as a columnist was cleared by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA), which provides guidance for former ministers taking up new positions. In addition to his writing, Sunak has taken on several other advisory roles since leaving Downing Street, including positions with US tech firms Microsoft and Anthropic, and as a senior adviser to investment bank Goldman Sachs.
9 Comments
paracelsus
Sunak certainly has relevant experience from his time as Chancellor, which gives his column weight. However, his past decisions also contributed to the current economic climate, making his advice somewhat ironic.
eliphas
His point about tax rises crushing confidence is understandable from a business perspective. However, without adequate taxation, it's unclear how essential public services and investments will be funded, creating a different kind of economic instability.
paracelsus
His expertise as former Chancellor is exactly what the public debate needs right now.
eliphas
Another politician cashing in. His advice is just self-serving rhetoric.
paracelsus
It's valuable to hear different perspectives on fiscal policy, especially from someone with his background. But his recommendations might be politically unfeasible for the current government, which faces different pressures and priorities.
dedus mopedus
Donating all fees to charity? That's genuinely commendable and positive.
lettlelenok
It's positive that he's donating his fees to an education charity, showing a commitment to public good. Yet, becoming a columnist while holding advisory roles for tech giants does raise questions about his broader motivations and influence.
ytkonos
Great to see Sunak still contributing valuable economic insights. We need his experience!
Noir Black
Finally, a voice of reason against more tax increases. Good for him.