"I look forward to contributing to their world-class work"
Rishi Sunak has accepted two new jobs, including one in California. But his allies have denied that he is planning to quit as an MP.
The former Prime Minister has been subject to rumours that he will relocate to the United States.
He met his wife there and the couple still own a luxury penthouse apartment worth an estimated £5 million.
Now, Sunak has announced he is “delighted” to take up posts at Oxford University and Stanford University’s Hoover Institute.
The positions are Sunak’s first since he returned to the backbenches in July 2024, where he is an MP for Richmond and Northallerton in North Yorkshire.
He tweeted: “Oxford and Stanford shaped my life, and I look forward to contributing to their world-class work addressing the challenges and the technological opportunities of our time.”
It is believed the new roles are unpaid but Sunak will receive expenses from the Hoover Institute.
Rishi Sunak previously addressed claims he intended to move to California after the general election.
During one summer holiday as Prime Minister, Sunak was spotted on Santa Monica Pier where it was claimed he joined a Taylor Swift-themed Soul Cycle gym class.
And after the Conservative Party’s election defeat, it was rumoured that Sunak would quit the Commons and move to California.
Excited to join @BlavatnikSchool at Oxford and @HooverInst at Stanford.
Oxford and Stanford shaped my life, and I look forward to contributing to their world-class work addressing the challenges and the technological opportunities of our time.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) January 21, 2025
But at his final PMQs in October, he said:
“I’m happy to confirm reports that I will now be spending more time in the greatest place where the scenery is indeed worthy of a movie set and everyone is a character.
“That’s right, if anyone needs me, I will be in Yorkshire.”
His tweet continued: “Both Blavatnik and Hoover do superb work on how we can rise to the economic and security challenges we face and seize the technological opportunities of our time.
“I have huge affection for both Oxford and Stanford.”
“I was fortunate enough to study at both, they shaped my life and career, and I look forward to contributing to their world-leading research in the months and years ahead.”
Director of the Hoover Institution Condoleezza Rice welcomed his appointment, saying Rishi Sunak’s “extensive policy and global experience will enrich our fellowship and help to define important policies moving forward”.
She added: “The United States and the UK share a very special bond, and we look forward to the impact of his work on the many challenges facing democracies and the world in years to come.”