Rishi Sunak has today (24 October) been named the next leader of the Conservative party and the new prime minister of the UK, following a selection process by Conservative MPs.
The former chancellor was the architect of the below-inflation NHS pay award for England that RCN members are currently being balloted on, which could result in strike action. Below inflation pay deals were also proposed by governments in Scotland and Wales.
The RCN has renewed its demands for fair pay for nursing staff, calling on the new prime minister to recognise the value of nursing staff across the UK.
Responding to the announcement, RCN General Secretary & Chief Executive, Pat Cullen, said: "Rishi Sunak must now decide if he wants to be the prime minister who cut the NHS and social care to the bone or one that invested in its people, patients and priorities.
"He might be new to Number 10, but nursing staff will remember that this year's real-terms NHS pay cut was designed by Sunak from his Treasury desk.
"In the three months since, he should have learnt what happens when prime ministers focus on the wealthy and neglect workers.
"In the final 10 days of our ballot, our members will be sending a strong message to the new Prime Minister."
