New Delhi:
With the UK Prime Minister election less than a month away, Indian-origin candidate Rishi Sunak has once again come under the scanner for his lifestyle. According to reports, Sunak spends close to Rs 3.8 crore on a luxury swimming pool inside his mansion. The news comes at a time when several parts of England are struggling with drought and a severe heatwave.
Rishi Sunak spent £400,000 (roughly Rs. 3.8 million) on a new swimming pool at his mansion, The Independent reports. Sunak, his wife Akshata Murty and their two children spend weekends at this house in North Yorkshire.
According to the Daily Mail, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer is also building a gym and tennis courts.
RIshi Sunak’s huge swimming pool, gym and tennis courts are nearing completion in the grounds of his manor house near Northallerton. @RishiSunak@trussliz@yorkpress@TeessideLive#Ready4Rishipic.twitter.com/QlqgNVcLCJ
— TeesPix.Photos – Teesside Photos (@TeesPix) August 12, 2022
Aerial images of the area show that construction of the pool is in full swing. This has created a furor on social media, with many criticizing Sunak for building a swimming pool while the country is facing water shortages. Also adding fuel to the fire is the fact that the town’s public swimming pools have been forced to close due to rising energy costs.
Many local authorities no longer have a public swimming pool, while Rishi Sunak’s pool at his luxury mansion in Yorkshire is almost finished.
— Barbara (@BarbaraSutton15) August 11, 2022
A drought is expected to be formally declared. There are hose bans. Rishi sunak has a new pool.
— Wizard of Hampshire (@Sean_Boon) August 12, 2022
This is not the first time that Rishi Sunak and his family have faced controversy for their lifestyle. Last month, Akshata Murty faced public ire when she was seen serving tea on expensive crockery.
Rising taxes and the rising cost of living were key factors behind public discontent against the government led by Boris Johnson. Sunak, then Chancellor of the United Kingdom, had been criticized for raising taxes.
Rishi Sunak is up against Liz Truss in the race to be the UK’s next Prime Minister.