UK PM Rishi Sunak, Wife Akshata Murty, Wealth Soars in 2024 Rich List

Photo : PA

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, have significantly climbed the ranks in the 2024 edition of the 'Sunday Times Rich List', unveiled on Friday. Both aged 44, the couple has surged from their previous position of 275th to the 245th spot, boasting an estimated combined wealth of GBP 651 million. Their rise in wealth marks them as the "wealthiest residents of 10 Downing Street."

Akshata Murty's substantial earnings, particularly from her lucrative Infosys shareholding, have been cited as the primary driver behind their ascent. Her shareholding in the Bangalore-based IT giant, co-founded by her father Narayan Murthy, has seen remarkable growth, with its value increasing by GBP 108.8 million over the past year to nearly GBP 590 million. Akshata Murty reportedly received approximately GBP 13 million in dividends during the same period, further boosting their overall wealth.

The 'Sunday Times Rich List' also highlights the dominance of the Indian-origin Hinduja family, who retain the top position with a staggering wealth of GBP 37.196 billion. Their wealth surged following the opening of their luxury OWO Hotel in London, showcasing their diversified business interests spanning automotive, oil, finance, IT, healthcare, and real estate.

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Another notable mention in the top ranks is the India-born Reuben brothers, David and Simon, who climbed to third place with a fortune estimated at GBP 24.977 billion. NRI industrialists Lakshmi N. Mittal and Anil Agarwal also feature prominently on the list, with Mittal ranking eighth and Agarwal at twenty-third place.

Among the Indian-origin billionaires listed, Prakash Lohia, Mohsin and Zuber Issa, and Navin and Varsha Engineer stand out, highlighting their contributions to textiles, retail, and pharmaceuticals, respectively.

Additionally, the 'Sunday Times Rich List' reflects a decrease in the number of billionaires compared to previous years, signaling a potential slowdown in Britain's billionaire boom. However, notable exceptions include former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, who becomes the first UK musician to achieve billionaire status, further underscoring the evolving dynamics of wealth in the country.