Tory Jeremy Hunt refuses to rule out a new bid for the 'unpleasant job' of being Prime Minister

The former cabinet minister claimed the role wouldn't be much fun, but hinted he still wanted a spot in the job

Jeremy Hunt was beaten by Boris Johnson in the 2019 leadership race (

Picture: Pool

Jeremy Hunt today claimed being Prime Minister was 'not a pleasant job' - but refused to rule out a further tilt for the No10.

The former health secretary failed in his bid to lead the Tories three years ago, beaten by Boris Johnson in a membership vote.

The former rebel foreign secretary has since warned that Mr Johnson will lead the party to defeat in the next general election.

When asked if he thought the Prime Minister could win the next ballot, he told the Institute for Government think tank: "I officially say no."

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But he said revelations from anti-lockdown parties in Downing Street would not determine the outcome of the ballot box.

Mr Hunt declined to rule out another offer for the job (

Picture:

UK PARLIAMENT/AFP via Getty Imag)

“The next election will not be decided whether or not there were inappropriate parties in Downing Street during the pandemic,” he insisted.

"I think the next election will be decided on the economy - and the main reason ordinary voters vote Conservative is because they think we'll look after the economy better and that there will therefore have better prospects for them and their families.

"But right now, because of all the global shocks we've had, people don't feel that confidence.

"So I think the biggest challenge is getting the economy back on track."

Mr. Hunt swerved as to whether he still had ambitions to become prime minister.