Rishi Sunak is set to become the UK’s next prime minister, after winning the race to replace Liz Truss as Conservative Party leader.
The former chancellor did not make any policy pledges during the truncated four-day contest, or give any speeches or media interviews. It means his unsuccessful battle against Ms Truss to replace Boris Johnson over the summer remains the best indication of his policies. But after Ms Truss’s tumultuous six-week premiership, big questions remain over his plans for office.
Tax cuts and government borrowing
Although he said he wanted to see tax cuts in the long-term, he said bringing inflation first under control should be the priority.
Energy and climate change
Mr Sunak was in favour of energy costs “relief” for both households and businesses but whether to scale Liz Truss’ programme, or replace it entirely, will be one of the biggest decisions now confronting the prime minister. He did not follow rule out energy rationing this winter as part of plans to conserve supply.
He said he would resist solar panels being installed on “our best farmland” - and backed fracking for shale gas where it is supported by local residents.
NHS and healthcare
Mr Sunak made a number of important commitments regarding waiting times, waste and dentistry.
Brexit
Mr Sunak said he wanted to “fix” trading problems created by the Northern Ireland Protocol, and reform all EU laws still on the UK lawbook by the next general election.
The devil will be in the detail and that, no doubt, will be forthcoming, sooner or later … 
