Boris Johnson says 'time will tell' what he does next amid comeback plot claims

The outgoing Prime Minister - who will leave Number 10 next week - appeared to issue a veiled threat to his successor amid reports that he did not give up hope of getting the top new job in the future

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Boris Johnson sends a message to the next Prime Minister

Boris Johnson appeared to make a veiled threat to his successor - saying 'time will tell' what kind of backbench MP he will be.

The Prime Minister will leave office next week, with his allies apparently confident that he has not given up hope of returning to Downing Street in the future.

This afternoon, after giving a speech at Sizewell in Suffolk, he was asked whether he would be like Theresa May - who has often been a thorn in the Prime Minister's side - or follow the example of David Cameron, who left Parliament altogether.

Mr. Johnson was ousted after a massive Conservative uprising in early July, sparking a bitter leadership debate that opened up huge divisions within the party.

Asked what kind of former prime minister he will be, Mr Johnson said: 'I think only time will tell what my answer will be on this.

Boris Johnson was evasive when asked what kind of former PM he would be

"But my intention and what I will certainly do is to give my full and wholehearted support to whoever comes after me.

"Otherwise, really go on living."

It's not the first time he's dodged a similar question, telling reporters in Dorset earlier this week: "I think on the whole people in this country are more interested in their broadband gigabit than by the fate of it or that politician."

Last month the Sunday Mirror reported that Mr Johnson and his allies were plotting a return to Number 10 if Ms Truss 'imploded' as Prime Minister.

A well-placed Westminster insider has claimed he is determined to make a comeback, with a source saying: "It seems far-fetched but I wouldn't let it go. He feels bad and thinks he still had a lot to do."

The lame duck prime minister has been heavily criticized for the government's failure to deliver meaningful commitments in the face of the cost of living crisis.