Former UK PM Rishi Sunak takes advisory role at Goldman Sachs amid MP duties

Rishi Sunak, the former prime minister of the UK, is now joining Goldman Sachs as a senior advisor. As per the reports by The Guardian, he will also stay on as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Richmond and Northallerton. This news is the top story because it brings together two big roles: working for a major financial firm and continuing in elected office.

The government’s ethics rules have placed limits on his work. Sunak cannot lobby the UK government for Goldman Sachs for one year. He is also barred from advising on bids, contracts, or any lobbying involving government decisions. He must not use any insider information from his time in office.

Rishi Sunak's early career and return to finance

The reports by The Independent state that Rishi Sunak began his career in finance at Goldman Sachs. He worked there from 2001 to 2004. He was an analyst covering US stocks, including railways and media. Later, Rishi Sunak left his job to pursue an MBA at Stanford University.

After Stanford, he joined the hedge fund The Children’s Investment Fund Management. He became a partner in 2006 and stayed until 2009. Then, he co‑founded another fund, Theleme Partners, based in California. He also worked with Catamaran Ventures, an investment firm linked to his wife’s father, before entering politics in 2015.

His job at Goldman Sachs was an important first step in his career. He later became Chancellor of the Exchequer and then Prime Minister. Now, returning to Goldman, his career is coming full circle. He left politics after the July 2024 general election, when the Labour Party led by Keir Starmer won. Sunak resigned as Conservative leader but stayed on as an MP.

Rules and Oversight

The reports by Politico state that there are strict rules for former government officials taking outside jobs. The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba) oversees this process. They found that Sunak’s new job overlaps with his time in government. As PM, he may have had access to sensitive information.

To avoid conflicts, Acoba said he must not lobby or use contacts from the government for a year. He also must not advise on contracts or bidding that involve the UK government. Goldman Sachs also noted that Sunak’s job is not about lobbying. He will not rely on his past government contacts or knowledge to influence policy. He will focus on advice about the economy, world affairs, and working with Goldman staff.

Rishi Sunak's other work outside politics

Since leaving politics, Rishi Sunak has taken other roles too. Earlier in 2025, he joined Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government. He took a visiting role at Stanford’s Hoover Institution in California. He also writes about and speaks on economic issues. These roles have kept him active in public life while not holding a government post.

As per Politico, Rishi Sunak plans to donate his salary from Goldman Sachs to a charity he created. The charity is called the Richmond Project. It aims to help children and adults improve their numeracy skills. This is the same charity he founded with his wife, Akshata Murty.

Sunak’s appointment follows the standard approval process for former ministers taking private roles. The terms were reviewed and cleared by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments. Goldman Sachs confirmed the role does not involve any government-related work. He continues to hold his elected position in Parliament. Any further updates about his work or responsibilities will depend on future public records or official announcements.

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