Akshata Murty Path to Peace in a World of Information

As the wife of Rishi Sunak, she has found that she and her husband are in the spotlight not just for his political decisions but for every aspect of his life.

Bemused by the interest in his Adidas Samba trainers, she told The Times: “I had no clue. Rishi has always worn Sambas. You kind of have to live your life and not let it consume you.

“I try not to [read the news] now because it is so much more personal.”

Ms Murty, 44, is the multimillionaire daughter of one of India’s richest businessmen and managed to stay out of the public eye until The Independent revealed she had been avoiding tax by claiming non-dom status while her husband was chancellor. She later agreed to pay UK tax on her overseas income.

She and her husband also came under fire over her stake in Koru Kids after Mr Sunak failed to declare her involvement in the childcare agency that benefited from the Budget in 2023.

Choice of Fashion

Her choice of fashion has also raised eyebrows in the past, including when she wore a pair of Gucci shoes costing £645 on the campaign trail in the run-up to the local elections.

In her first solo interview since the non-dom row, she described her passions since moving to Downing Street.She has set up weekly sessions for youngsters from all over the country. The lessons take place at 10 o’clock each week. Youngsters can learn about various topics, including beauty and business.

More than 1,000 pupils from schools across the country have taken part in the classes, learning about cooking, coding and chemistry and also taking part in drama inside one of the most famous buildings in the world.

In the US, the president’s wife is known as the first lady. In contrast, the wife of the prime minister does not hold an official title. They have no structured role under the constitution, but they sometimes accompany the prime minister on official engagements.

“My view is, in what small way can I add value, not just by supporting Rishi, but by doing something that’s worthwhile while living here?” Ms. Murty said.  “Education is one area that has always been meaningful to me.”

Family

Ms. Murty, who divides her time between the couple’s two daughters in London and their Yorkshire constituency, said the family likes to play games such as Catan and Uno rather than watch television.

She said she tried to stay apolitical while delivering lessons. This helped keep her busy as the PM’s spouse, as she noted.. “Can you lie in bed all day eating chocolates? I don’t do that.”

Ms. Murty attended Stanford Business School, where she met Mr. Sunak. Now, she sees her current role as a means of supporting her family.

“I try very hard to keep life as routine as possible,” she said. “I also look at this time in our lives as an opportunity to serve and you serve in the best way you can. That is my mindset. I am not a politician. I can’t always please everyone.

“My father told me the softest pillow has a clear conscience. Do your best, and then don’t worry. So that’s my role. To keep the show going.”

The prime minister’s wife’s role has been described as a thankless task. Some of Ms Murty’s peers have found it difficult.

Samantha Cameron

Samantha Cameron, the wife of ex-PM David, once decried the “harshness” of the role.

“You’re trying to do your best in a role you may not be expecting. I think it’s very harsh,” said Mrs Cameron. You’ve got to find your way and do the things you enjoy and are good at. Be supportive, and learn how to get in and out of the car quickly without exposing your underwear.

Carrie Johnson, Boris Johnson’s wife, faced involvement in several scandals during his tenure in Downing Street. Opponents of the former prime minister portrayed her as a manipulative figure who allegedly led him astray.