Rishi Sunak to be UK's new Prime Minister

British politician Rishi Sunak was elected Conservative leader and will become the next prime minister, after rival Penny Mordaunt failed to secure the necessary 100 nominations from her fellow MPs.

"Rishi Sunak is therefore elected as leader of the Conservative party," senior backbencher Graham Brady said, as Mordaunt vowed her "full support" for the former finance minister.

Sunak was to make his first remarks, according to Brady, whose 1922 committee of Tory MPs organised a rapid leadership election following last week's resignation of Prime Minister Liz Truss.

The Tories retain a majority in parliament, meaning that as their leader, Sunak will be named prime minister by King Charles III.

Rishi Sunak becoming the first British Indian prime minister is an historic moment. This simply would not have been possible even a decade or two ago.

It shows that public service in the highest office in Britain can be open to those of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds. This will be a source of pride to many British Asians - including many who do not share Rishi Sunak’s Conservative politics.

Sunak reaching 10 Downing Street does not make Britain a perfect meritocracy. While there is more to do, this is a hopeful sign of progress against the prejudices of the past. National politics has set the pace and business, public services and charities should accept the challenge to reflect modern Britain too.