Rishi Sunak was unable to respond to the pressure yesterday to tell Boris Johnson when he had decided to knife him.
An awkward interview was conducted by the Tory leadership candidate when he discovered that Johnson “wasn’t in your opinion a good prime minister”.
He repeatedly dodged the question, insisting that ‘leaving government and resigning as chancellor was an incredibly difficult decision for me – it wasn’t a decision I took lightly’.
Sunak’s dramatic resignation on Tuesday last week helped to trigger the fall of the Prime Minister. He eventually replied that he quit the Cabinet “when I resigned”.
Rishi Sunak, the former Chancellor at the Exchequer said that he quit Cabinet “when I resigned” – but refused to reveal when he concluded that Boris Johnson was not the best Prime Minister.
Sunak was criticised for his US Green Card, which he held for some time during his time as chancellor. However, he said, ‘I was living and learning in America at that time, but I then returned to the United Kingdom, where I tried to serve my country by becoming an MP.
In an interview on BBC Radio 4, critics suggested that Mr Sunak was evasive, thin-skinned and sounded unnatural.
During his appearance on BBC Radio 4 Today, the former chancellor had to also defend Sir Gavin Williamson’s role in his campaign.
Rival parties have claimed that the former chief whip was involved in dirty tricks to make sure Mr Sunak faced a candidate who he is more likely to lose in the last run-off.
Mel Stride, Mr Sunak claimed, is the running of his parliamentary campaign and not Sir Gavin. However, he refused to reveal his exact role.
He stated, “Like all my colleagues in Parliament, they have been talking to their colleagues about my candidacy. They believe that I am the best candidate to defeat KeirStarmer and Labour Party. I’m truly grateful for all their support.”
Mr Sunak yesterday maintained his place at the front of the Tory leadership race, securing 101 votes – but gained just an extra 13 votes compared with the first round. Penny Mordaunt was his closest rival and gained 16 votes from Wednesday’s total.
Sunak stated that he would like to stay in the UK, even if he loses his bid for Prime Minister.
Sunak previously had a US green card, which he used for some time during his tenure as chancellor. He said that he lived, worked, and studied in America then but that he returned to the UK and tried to help the country by becoming an MP, then in government, and finally, hopefully, if i’m lucky enough, Prime Minister.
“That is because I think I am the best person to guide us through these challenges, and do so in an honest way that’s responsible.
“But, I also know I have the energy and experience to build our economy and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. His wealth and his background did not prevent him from being able to understand the hardships of those in need.
“I don’t judge people based on their bank account, but I judge their character. People can also judge me based upon my past actions in the last two years.
“Whenever I needed to be there to support others, that is what I did. Furlough is one great example.