A record 171 billionaires in the UK saw their fortunes soar by more than a fifth as they shook off the financial toll of the pandemic, the Sunday Times Rich List reveals.
Ukrainian-born Sir Leonard Blavatnik, 63, has topped the Rich List for the second time with his £23billion fortune following a £7.219billion leap in his wealth.
Overall, the number of UK-based billionaires has jumped by 24 per cent compared to 2020 in a stark contrast with the economic turmoil of a global crisis which saw millions enter furlough.
But this had little impact on the very wealthiest, with the fortunes of billionaires increasing by 21.7 per cent over the year - rising by £106.5billion to £597.2billion.
There are now 171 billionaires in UK as fortunes soar 22% in pandemic
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UK s billionaires grow 20 per cent wealthier during pandemic chaos
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Rich List: Billionaires get wealthier during pandemic as fortunes jump 21
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