Rishi Sunak, the former UK Prime Minister, has launched a new chapter in his political and public life by stepping into the world of newspaper commentary. On October 26, 2025, Sunak debuted as a columnist, offering pointed fiscal advice just weeks before the nation’s crucial budget announcement, known as the Spending Review, scheduled for November 26. His message? Raising taxes would be a grave mistake for Britain’s economy, particularly as Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces mounting pressure to balance the books amid rising concerns over the country’s long-term financial sustainability.
Writing in The Sunday Times, Sunak drew upon his years as a Conservative chancellor and prime minister to caution the Labour government against what he sees as a dangerous path. He argued that while tough choices are unavoidable, the answer to the UK’s fiscal challenges lies in spending restraint and smarter management of public debt—not tax hikes. "Raising taxes would be a disaster for the UK—and particularly if increases are concentrated on a narrow base as Reeves tries to remain technically compliant with manifesto commitments. Such tax rises would be particularly distortionary and damaging to growth," Sunak wrote, according to Business Standard.
Sunak’s intervention comes at a sensitive moment. With the Spending Review just a month away, Chancellor Reeves is under intense scrutiny. Interest on Britain’s long-term borrowing is climbing, and market watchers are openly questioning the sustainability of the UK’s finances. Sunak, however, sees a silver lining in the current fiscal landscape. He claims, "The UK issues much less long-term debt than it used to. Respected City (of London) figures calculate that this shift means funding has actually been cheaper this fiscal year than in the previous two." In his view, this presents an opportunity: "A bigger buffer could create a virtuous circle: bond markets would be reassured by the additional headroom and so feel more confident in the UK's finances, reducing government borrowing costs. It's clearly the right thing to do, and much better than the alternative of months of uncertainty every year," Sunak argued in his column, as reported by The Economic Times.
Sunak’s fiscal philosophy is clear: avoid tax hikes, prioritize spending cuts, and build a financial cushion to reassure markets. "The choice then is simple: spending cuts or tax rises. If the chancellor opts for the latter, it will crush confidence still further and depress growth, making next year's budget even more painful than this one will be," he warned. The stakes, in his view, could not be higher. The UK’s economic recovery, business confidence, and even the government’s borrowing costs hang in the balance.
But Sunak’s column is more than just a policy prescription. It’s also a window into his personal journey since leaving 10 Downing Street. Now a backbench MP representing Richmond and Northallerton, Sunak admits he is relishing the extra time he can spend with his family—his wife, Akshata Murty, and their two children, Krishna and Anoushka. "I am happy because as a family it's been lovely reconnecting and having the luxury of spending time [together], the four of us, that we haven't had for ages. I was an absentee dad and husband for five years because of my jobs," he told The Times in a candid interview this weekend.
Sunak’s new role as a columnist and commentator is not just about offering advice from the sidelines. It’s also about giving back. The fees from his writing are being donated to the Richmond Project, the education charity he founded with Murty to tackle numeracy issues among children in the UK. The Richmond Project has also been named as a beneficiary of all his additional paid appointments, including his recent advisory roles with US tech giants Microsoft and Anthropic. "People feel confident saying they aren't good at maths, but we want to change that. Whatever you do, maths helps, whether it's fantasy football, planning for holidays or buying a car," Sunak explained, emphasizing his belief in the importance of numeracy for everyday life.
His advocacy for education and numeracy is rooted in a broader concern for the country’s future competitiveness. As someone who has navigated the highest levels of government finance, Sunak understands the challenges facing young people and the economy alike. By supporting the Richmond Project, he hopes to help close the gap in maths skills that he believes is holding many back. "Whatever you do, maths helps," he reiterated, aiming to shift the culture around numeracy in Britain.
Despite stepping away from the premiership, Sunak’s political ambitions appear far from extinguished. When asked whether he would consider returning to frontline politics, Sunak responded with characteristic optimism: "I don't think I'm over yet and nor is the Conservative Party." It’s a statement that hints at unfinished business and keeps the door open for a potential comeback, especially as the Conservative Party regroups and repositions itself following Labour’s ascendance.
Sunak’s column has sparked considerable debate in Westminster and beyond. Supporters of his approach argue that spending cuts and fiscal discipline are essential to restoring market confidence and setting the UK on a path to sustainable growth. They see tax hikes as a threat to business investment and household spending, especially at a time when the economy is still finding its footing. Critics, however, contend that spending cuts could undermine essential public services and disproportionately affect the most vulnerable. They argue that carefully targeted tax increases may be necessary to maintain social programs and invest in the future.
The Labour leadership, for its part, faces a delicate balancing act. Chancellor Reeves must navigate the expectations of both financial markets and the electorate. With the Spending Review looming, every policy signal is scrutinized for its potential impact on growth, borrowing costs, and political fortunes. Sunak’s high-profile intervention adds another layer of complexity to an already fraught debate.
Meanwhile, Sunak’s personal story resonates with many. Having made history as Britain’s first prime minister of Indian heritage, he remains a prominent figure in national life. His willingness to step back, reconnect with family, and channel his energies into education and public debate speaks to the evolving role of former leaders in British society. Whether from the backbenches, the op-ed pages, or the boardrooms of Silicon Valley, Sunak is determined to shape the conversation about Britain’s future.
As the UK heads toward its November budget, the choices outlined by Sunak—spending cuts versus tax rises, fiscal prudence versus short-term fixes—will remain at the forefront of political and economic discourse. For now, his voice, both as a commentator and as a champion of education, continues to echo across the country’s shifting landscape.