Kwasi Kwarteng, who has been a long-time supporter of new Prime Minister Liz Truss and a political soulmate, has been chosen to be the next chancellor of the United Kingdom.
As he assumes office in the midst of a critical period for the economy of the UK, millions of people are looking to him for assistance with skyrocketing winter energy bills.
The choices that he makes over the course of the next few days and weeks will have a significant bearing not just on the future of the nation but also on the chances of the Conservative Party continuing to hold power.
He will get a lot of help from his new neighbor on Downing Street. One friend told the Times that Mr. Kwarteng and Ms. Truss were a bit like “Batman and Robin,” adding, “They are both a bit of social misfits, friendly geeks, and have strong opinions that are in line with each other.”
He is also not likely to be accused of being too dumb or not having enough confidence in himself. He went to Old Eton and got a double first from Cambridge University and a PhD in economic history. In 2021, he became the first black Conservative cabinet minister. He has also won the BBC quiz show University Challenge, which is known for being hard.
Kwasi Kwarteng: The basics
Age: 47
Place of birth: East London
Education: Trinity College, Cambridge University, Harvard University
Family: Married to solicitor Harriet Edwards with one daughter
