Rishi Sunak says he will not quit politics if he loses the race to become the next prime minister and leader of the Conservatives.
The former chancellor has become the underdog in the contest, with his rival, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, continuing to lead polls of party members – who will ultimately choose the winner.
But he told the BBC there was “everything left to play for” in the head to head, and even if he lost, he would still remain a loyal Tory.
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On Wednesday, Mr Sunak hit the headlines following an interview with the Spectator, where he claimed scientists had too much influence over COVID decision making in 2020 and it was wrong to scare people about the need for lockdowns.
Afterwards, former Number 10 chief of staff Dominic Cummings – who was in post during the pandemic – called the article “dangerous rubbish” and said his comments “read like a man whose epically bad campaign has melted his brain and he’s about to quit politics”.
Asked if he was planning his exit if he was defeated, Mr Sunak said: “No. Absolutely not. Of course not. And I would dispute the characterisation.
“I’m working incredibly hard going around the country talking about my ideas for the future, and actually having a very positive reception where I’m going, and I think there’s everything left to play for.
“There’s still weeks to run in this campaign, and that’s why I’m continuing to give it everything I’ve got.”
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Mr Sunak was also questioned over his loyalty to the party after recently refusing to rule out voting against Ms Truss’ emergency budget, which she says she will unveil in September if she gets the keys to Number 10.
Despite that, he told the BBC: “I’d always support a Conservative government. Of course I would, it goes without saying.”
He added: “I believe very strongly in the Conservative Party, and I want it to do well, and I will always, whether as a minister or as a backbencher, always support a Conservative government because I believe that’s the best thing for this country.
“I want to make sure that we beat Labour at the next election, so that kind of goes without saying that that’s what I would do.”
Mr Sunak and Ms Truss will take part in their penultimate hustings in Norwich tonight, with one more scheduled in London next week.
Tory Party members have until Friday 2nd September to cast their vote, and the winner will be announced on Monday 5th September and expected to replace Boris Johnson in Number 10 the following day.