Following his resignation after the Conservative Party’s 2024 election defeat, Rishi Sunak has quickly entered the global speaking circuit, earning £160,750 from a single Bain Capital engagement — nearly matching his former annual PM salary. This mirrors a growing trend of ex-UK prime ministers monetising their experience on the international stage.
Rishi Sunak’s recent foray into the lucrative global speaking circuit has drawn considerable attention, especially following his resignation as Prime Minister after the Conservative Party’s significant defeat in the 2024 General Election. The House of Commons’ Register of Members’ Financial Interests reveals that Sunak earned £160,750 for a single engagement with Bain Capital, reflecting an hourly rate of £55,797. This income nearly matches his annual salary as Prime Minister, which was £167,391, encompassing his role as First Lord of the Treasury and as a Member of Parliament.
The timing and amount of this payment highlight a trend where former UK prime ministers leverage their experience for substantial financial gain shortly after leaving office. Sunak’s appearance was facilitated by the Washington Speakers Bureau, a prominent agency that has also represented previous leaders such as Boris Johnson and David Cameron. After stepping down, Johnson reportedly earned almost £140,000 for a 30-minute presentation in Colorado Springs, underscoring the financial viability of such engagements for ex-leaders.
Sunak’s approval to pursue speaking opportunities was granted by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA), an independent body that evaluates potential conflicts of interest for former ministers before they engage in commercial activities. This has become customary among former UK prime ministers, many of whom have transitioned into public speaking roles for lucrative fees.
Notably, Boris Johnson’s own earnings from the speaking circuit were reported to be around £2.4 million in 2023, demonstrating the powerful allure of this new revenue stream for ex-politicians. As Sunak joins his predecessors in this venture, he is described as an emblem of “a new generation of global leadership,” suggesting that both he and Cameron are expected to resonate with American audiences amidst changing political dynamics.
Speaking engagements often cover themes including fiscal policy, leadership during crises, and the navigation of global power shifts—a reflection of their extensive backgrounds and experiences. Such topics allow former leaders to position themselves as thought leaders within the global economy, attracting engagements from both private and corporate sectors keen on insights that blend personal narrative with broader economic commentary.
Even as Sunak capitalises on these opportunities, challenges remain visible within the UK political landscape, particularly in terms of demonstrating relevance and securing stability amid fluctuating public sentiment and economic uncertainties. His recent speech at the Global Investment Summit in November 2023, where he underscored the importance of foreign investments for the UK economy, illustrates this dual focus on both domestic and international interests. There, he expressed appreciation for significant investments from the UAE and other countries, firmly positioning the UK as a competitive destination for global investment.
In summary, while Rishi Sunak’s swift transition into the speaking circuit showcases a trend among former UK leadership, it also highlights the ongoing challenges and responsibilities of maintaining a positive image and fostering economic confidence in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Reference Map
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2055913/Rishi-sunak-speech-bain-capital – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.politico.eu/article/rishi-sunak-and-david-cameron-to-cash-in-with-us-speaking-gigs/ – Former UK Prime Ministers Rishi Sunak and David Cameron have been approved by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA) to pursue paid speaking engagements in the U.S. through the Washington Speakers Bureau. Sunak, who served as Prime Minister until his defeat in the 2024 General Election, is highlighted as a representative of a ‘new generation of global leadership.’ The article notes that former British leaders, including Theresa May and Boris Johnson, have previously capitalized on the lucrative U.S. speaking circuit. ([politico.eu](https://www.politico.eu/article/rishi-sunak-and-david-cameron-to-cash-in-with-us-speaking-gigs/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.leftfootforward.org/2025/02/david-cameron-and-rishi-sunak-to-cash-in-on-lucrative-us-speaking-gigs/ – David Cameron and Rishi Sunak have received approval from the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA) to join the Washington Speakers Bureau, enabling them to pursue paid speaking engagements in the U.S. The article highlights that former Prime Ministers, including Theresa May and Boris Johnson, have previously engaged in similar activities, with Johnson reportedly earning £2.4 million from a U.S. speakers agency in 2023. ([leftfootforward.org](https://leftfootforward.org/2025/02/david-cameron-and-rishi-sunak-to-cash-in-on-lucrative-us-speaking-gigs/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.wsb.com/speakers/rishi-sunak/ – Rishi Sunak is represented by the Washington Speakers Bureau (WSB) as an exclusive speaker. The WSB profile emphasizes his leadership during unprecedented crises, his background in finance, and his tenure as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2022 to 2024. The profile also outlines potential speech topics, including innovation and technology, the future of global economics, leading through crisis, and navigating global power shifts. ([wsb.com](https://www.wsb.com/speakers/rishi-sunak/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/uk/2023/11/27/rishi-sunak-tells-foreign-investors-your-success-is-our-success/ – In a speech at the Global Investment Summit at Hampton Court Palace, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak addressed business leaders, stating, ‘you create jobs, drive growth, generate wealth.’ He emphasized the importance of foreign investment in the UK economy and highlighted the £14 billion invested by the UAE Sovereign Investment Partnership as a significant contribution. ([thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/uk/2023/11/27/rishi-sunak-tells-foreign-investors-your-success-is-our-success/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/prime-ministers-keynote-speech-at-the-global-investment-summit-27-november-2023 – In his keynote speech at the Global Investment Summit held at Hampton Court Palace, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak discussed the UK’s economic strengths, including a low tax approach, a culture of innovation, and a skilled workforce. He highlighted significant investments from companies like Tata, BMW, Nissan, and Microsoft, emphasizing the UK’s position as an attractive destination for global investment. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/prime-ministers-keynote-speech-at-the-global-investment-summit-27-november-2023?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/nov/27/sunak-woos-business-elite-with-royal-welcome-but-they-seek-certainty – At the Global Investment Summit in Hampton Court Palace, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed business leaders and emphasized the UK’s commitment to attracting global investment. The article notes that while the summit showcased the UK’s appeal, business leaders are seeking certainty and stability in the investment environment. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/nov/27/sunak-woos-business-elite-with-royal-welcome-but-they-seek-certainty?utm_source=openai))
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative references recent events, such as Rishi Sunak’s post-resignation activities and his engagement with Bain Capital. However, some details might be based on previous reports or press releases regarding former UK prime ministers’ speaking engagements.
Quotes check
Score:
0
Notes:
There are no direct quotes in the narrative to verify.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from a well-known publication, the Express, but it does not provide as high a level of reliability as news outlets like the BBC or Reuters. It is generally considered to have a conservative bias.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about former UK prime ministers leveraging speaking engagements for financial gain are plausible and consistent with known practices. However, specific details about Sunak’s engagements should be verified.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative appears to be well-researched, drawing on recent events and common practices among former UK prime ministers. However, the lack of direct quotes and reliance on a conservative publication reduce the overall confidence in its accuracy.
