Lidington ‘ not tempted by top job’

The “Iron Throne” does not seem tempting, David Lidington has insisted as other senior Tories indicate an interest in becoming the next leader.

Former foreign secretary Boris Johnston is among the number who have expressed an interest in succeeding Theresa May as Conservative Party leader.

Mr Lidington emphasised that he will support the Prime Minister for the rest of her term in office, adding that the focus should be on getting the Withdrawal Agreement through Parliament.

The Cabinet minister was speaking during a visit to the Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland which is set to host The Open.

When asked if he intended to throw his hat in the ring in a future Conservative Party leadership contest, Mr Lidington said it does not tempt him.

“When you have worked as closely with the Prime Minister as I have in the last years and a bit, the Iron Throne is not too tempting, you see all the downside,” he said.

“But my general approach to this is, look, there is no vacancy at the minute, my job is to support the PM which I will do throughout her time in office.

“She is somebody motivated entirely by the national interest, she is not interested in grandstanding, headlines but really a sober sense of public duty is what motivates her.

“I think that is admirable, I think people respect that and I support her for that reason.

“I think that the Prime Minister deserves support, no new Conservative leader would change the numbers in the House of Commons, or change the nature of the decisions that face government and Parliament both,” he added.

Mr Lidington expressed frustration that the Withdrawal Agreement has not been agreed by the House of Commons.