Rishi Sunak, UK prime minister, has issued a plea for unity in the face of a “profound economic challenge”.
He won the Tory leadership contest after rival Penny Mordaunt failed to secure enough backing from MPs.
In his first speech, Mr. Sunak said bringing his party and the UK together would be his “utmost priority”.
Mr. Sunak, 42, will be the UK’s first British Asian prime minister and the youngest in more than 200 years.
Mr. Sunak – a practicing Hindu is expected to take office later this morning after being formally appointed by the King.
He replaces Liz Truss, following her resignation just 45 days into her tumultuous premiership last week.
After chairing her final cabinet meeting at 09:00 BST, the outgoing prime minister will make a statement outside No 10 before traveling to Buckingham Palace for her final audience with the King.
This will be followed by Mr. Sunak’s first audience with the monarch, during which he will be invited to form a government.
He will then travel to Downing Street to make a statement at about 11:35, before entering No 10.
President Joe Biden has said he plans to call Mr. Sunak to “offer his congratulations” after his meeting with the King, the White House Press Secretary said.
