James Cleverly admits ‘disappointment’ over Boris ending comeback bid

James Cleverly 'disappointed' Johnson didn't run for Prime Minister

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James Cleverly has admitted he was left “disappointed” that Boris Johnson abandoned his sensational comeback bid.

The Foreign Secretary backed the former PM in the Tory leadership race which Rishi Sunak went on to win.

But Mr Johnson announced on Sunday he was not going ahead with his return despite insisting he had secured the 100 nominations from Tory MPs.

During an appearance on Sky News this morning, Mr Cleverly was asked: “You must have received some assurances that he was going to stand. When he announced that he was not, how did that make you feel? He hung Nadhim Zahawi out to dry.”

The Foreign Secretary said: “We could see the support he was getting was around the 100 mark that was enough for him to stand.

“The conversations I had with him, his intention was to stand.

“I was disappointed he didn’t put himself forward.

“But, ultimately, it was becoming clear even on the Sunday, Monday, it was becoming increasingly clear that the parliamentary party overwhelmingly wanted to see Rishi Sunak at the helm.

“We absolutely respect that. Rishi is an experienced, thoughtful and energetic politician, and I’m very, very happy to serve in his Government.”

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