Labour Calls Out Rishi Sunak After Wife’s Firm Infosys Sees Public Sector Earnings Surge

Rishi Sunak’ wife Akshata Murty, who is estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of pounds, co-owns Infosys. (Press Association via AP Images)

Infosys, a tech firm partly owned by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s wife Akshata Murty, received a 50% increase in public sector invoices in 2023, according to an exclusive LBC investigation.

The tech company raked in a whopping £7 million in public sector contracts last year, up from £4.7 million in 2022. The contracts, encompassing information communication technology, consultancy fees, and IT consultancy, have been spread across various levels of government.

LBC reports that the surge in government spending directed towards the Prime Minister’s family’s interests comes at a time when local councils are under severe financial strain, with central government grants to local authorities plummeting 40% in real terms over the past decade.

The company has also secured spots on numerous frameworks that could potentially give it a competitive edge in future contract bids. Notably, Infosys was selected for the NHS Shared Business Services’ £250 million ‘Intelligence Automation’ Framework and the Financial Conduct Authority’s £563 million ‘Digital Services Framework Agreement’.

This financial boon represents the best-ever year for Infosys, raising eyebrows and questions about the fairness and transparency of the procurement process.

Speaking to LBC, Labour MP Jonathan Ashworth questioned the integrity of the procurement process given the direct links between Infosys and Sunak.

“Taxpayers will want to have serious questions answered as to how this firm, with its close links to Rishi Sunak directly, appears to be cashing in,” he said. “It’s high time we had a full explanation as to all the circumstances as to how this firm has been awarded these lucrative contracts. This is about taxpayers’ money.”

With over £100 million awarded to Infosys in government contracts from 2012 to 2023, Murty has drawn substantial dividends from the company.

The Cabinet Office defended the contract awards, insisting it implements an open, fair process devoid of ministerial involvement.