Sunak’s advisers ready to ‘let Rishi be Rishi’ – but don’t call it a reset

‘Rishi Sunak can’t win the next election as a Conservative, but he may be able to win it as Rishi Sunak,’ one observer said. Photograph: Getty Images

Rishi Sunak was installed as the UK’s prime minister nearly a year ago to bring stability to a country, economy and political party in turmoil wreaked by his two predecessors. His staid strategy to keep the Conservatives in government has plugged some holes in the sinking ship – but not yet made it seaworthy again.

With Sunak’s personal ratings dwindling, Conservative MPs getting restless and a general election fast approaching, Downing Street has drawn a line under the past 12 months and set its sights on the next.