Sunak's second job in the Californian sun: Ex-PM Rishi lands roles at his alma-maters Stanford and Oxford

Rishi Sunak downplayed rumours he will take his family to California after leading the Tories to defeat at the general election, insisting he would remain a Yorkshire MP.

But the former prime minister today revealed that he will at least make a few flying visits to the Pacific coast, where his has a home, after landing two new jobs.

Mr Sunak announced today he would be taking up a visiting fellowship at Stanford University's Hoover Institution.

Closer to home, he is also joining Oxford University's Blavatnik School of Government as a member of its World Leaders Circle.

Mr Sunak, who studied philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford before earning a master of business administration degree at Stanford, said he was 'delighted' to be joining the two institutions.

Posting on Instagram he shared a throwback picture of himself with wife Akshata Murty. The pair met while studying at Stanford.

He said: 'Both Blavatnik and Hoover do superb work on how we can rise to the economic and security challenges we face and seize the technological opportunities of our time.

'I have huge affection for both Oxford and Stanford. I was fortunate enough to study at both, they shaped my life and career, and I look forward to contributing to their world-leading research in the months and years ahead.'

The positions are Mr Sunak's first since returning to the backbenches last year, where he remains the MP for Richmond and Northallerton, in North Yorkshire.

Mr Sunak announced today he would be taking up a visiting fellowship at Stanford University's Hoover Institution.

Mr Sunak announced today he would be taking up a visiting fellowship at Stanford University's Hoover Institution.

Posting on Instagram he shared a throwback picture of himself with wife Akshata Murty. The pair met while studying at Stanford.

Posting on Instagram he shared a throwback picture of himself with wife Akshata Murty. The pair met while studying at Stanford.

Mr Sunak, who studied philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford before earning a master of business administration degree at Stanford (pictured), said he was 'delighted' to be joining the two institutions.

Mr Sunak, who studied philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford before earning a master of business administration degree at Stanford (pictured), said he was 'delighted' to be joining the two institutions.

In accepting roles at major universities, he has followed two of his predecessors in Number 10.

Sir Tony Blair taught a course at Yale University shortly after leaving Downing Street, while Gordon Brown became a 'distinguished leader in residence' at New York University.

Lord William Hague, chancellor of Oxford University and one of Mr Sunak's predecessors as Conservative leader, said the former prime minister's experience and 'deep understanding of the challenges facing governments today' would be 'a huge asset'.

Lord Hague added: 'Rishi's connection to Oxford University runs deep, and it's great to see him coming back to his alma mater to contribute in such a meaningful way.

'I have no doubt his insights will inspire the next generation of leaders who are starting their journey here at Oxford.'

The positions are Mr Sunak's first since returning to the backbenches last year, where he remains the MP for Richmond and Northallerton, in North Yorkshire.

The positions are Mr Sunak's first since returning to the backbenches last year, where he remains the MP for Richmond and Northallerton, in North Yorkshire.

Condoleezza Rice, the former US secretary of state and current director of the Hoover Institution, also welcomed his appointment, saying Mr Sunak's 'extensive policy and global experience will enrich our fellowship and help to define important policies moving forward'.

She said: 'The United States and the UK share a very special bond, and we look forward to the impact of his work on the many challenges facing democracies and the world in years to come.'

The Blavatnik School of Government teaches postgraduate courses in public policy, and counts former Colombian president Ivan Duque among its World Leaders Circle, while the Hoover Institution is a public policy think tank.

Other distinguished visiting fellows at the Hoover Institution include former Conservative chancellor George Osborne, former Australian foreign minister Alexander Downer and Mr Sunak's former foreign policy adviser John Bew.