Rishi Sunak has launched his bid to become the next leader of the Conservatives.
The former chancellor confirmed he would be aiming to replace Boris Johnson in an announcement on Friday.
“Let’s restore trust, rebuild the economy and reunite the country,” he said.
In a three-minute video launching his campaign to be leader, Sunak chose to focus on the history of his family.
He said: “Let me tell you a story. About a young woman, almost a lifetime ago, who boarded a plane armed with hope for a better life and the love of her family.
“This young woman came to Britain, where she managed to find a job, but it took her nearly a year to save enough money for her husband and children to follow her.
“One of those children was my mother, aged 15. My mum studied hard and got the qualifications to become a pharmacist. She met my dad, an NHS GP, and they settled in Southampton.
“Their story didn’t end there, but that is where my story began.”
The former chancellor said that the country faces “huge challenges”.
Sunak continued: “My family gave me opportunities they could only dream of.
“But it was Britain, our country, that gave them and millions like them the chance of a better future.
“I got into politics because I want everyone in this country to have those same opportunities, to be able to give their children a better future.
“Our country faces huge challenges, the most serious for a generation. And the decisions we make today will decide whether the next generation of British people will also have the chance of a better future.”
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