London, July 23 (UNI) Rishi Sunak on Saturday called himself the underdog in the Conservative leadership race.
The Guardian quoted Sunak as saying "have no doubt, I am the underdog" and suggesting Conservative party powers want the race to be "a coronation" for Truss.
"The forces that be want this to be a coronation for the other candidate. But I think members want a choice and they are prepared to listen," he said while addressing a gathering in Grantham, the Lincolnshire home town of Margaret Thatcher.
Though the former Chancellor did not elaborate on the the opposing figures, he emphasised that he was not the favourite.
"I was talking generically, but obviously I start this part of the contest in the underdog position," he told media later.
He said his other priorities would include keeping Brexit and the union "safe", tackling illegal immigration and crime and ensuring that regardless of their parents or background, a child’s "birthright should be a world-class education," The Guardian reported.
"If we are to deliver on the promise of Brexit, then we’re going to need someone who actually understands Brexit, believes in Brexit, voted for Brexit," he said.
Calling himself "a product of immigration", Sunak said Britain "mustn't lose compassion but must be tougher".
Speaking on whether Liz Truss was was misleading on tax cuts, he said increasing government borrowing would be "immoral".
The two candidates will be taking part in a televised debate on Monday.
UNI RNJ