New Delhi:
Less than a month after Britain’s prime ministerial election, Indian-origin contender Rishi Sunak has once again come under the scanner about his lifestyle. According to reports, Sunak is spending around Rs 3.8 crore on a luxurious swimming pool inside his mansion. This news comes at a time when many parts of England are battling drought and severe heat.
As The Independent reports, Rishi Sunak spent £400,000 (approximately Rs 3.8 crore) on a new swimming pool at his mansion. Sunak, his wife Akshata Murthy and their two children spend their weekends at this North Yorkshire home.
According to the Daily Mail, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer is also building a gym and tennis courts.
Rishi Sunak’s massive swimming pool, gym and tennis court are nearing completion on the grounds of his manor house near Northallerton. @RishiSunak@trussliz@ yorkpress@TeessideLive#ready4sagepic.twitter.com/QlqgNVcLCJ
– TeesPix.Photos – Teesside Photos (@TeesPix) 12 August 2022
Aerial footage of the area shows that the construction of the pool is in full swing. This has sparked an uproar on social media, with many criticizing Sunak for building a swimming pool while the country grapples with water scarcity. Also adding fuel to the fire is the fact that public swimming pools in the city have been forced to close due to rising energy costs.
Many local authorities no longer have public swimming pools – meanwhile Rishi Sunak’s swimming pool in his luxury mansion in Yorkshire is almost finished
— barbara (@barbaraston15) 11 August 2022
A formal declaration of drought is likely. There are hosepipe restrictions. Rishi Sunak has a new swimming pool.
— Hampshire Wizard (@Sean_Boon) 12 August 2022
This is not the first time that Rishi Sunak and his family have been involved in controversies regarding their lifestyle. Last month, Akshata Murthy had to face public anger for serving tea in expensive crockery.
Rising taxes and rising cost of living were major factors of public discontent against the government led by Boris Johnson. The then chancellor of Britain, Mr. Sunak had come under criticism for the increase in taxes.
Rishi Sunak is up against Liz Truss in the race to become Britain’s next prime minister.