Cleverly rules out shadow cabinet job under new Tory leader
Former education secretary, James Cleverly, has ruled out a return to the shadow cabinet under a new Conservative leader
Cleverly, who was sacked by Boris Johnson in July, said he was "not interested" in a frontbench role under any of the candidates to replace Johnson.
He said his priority was to "spend time with his family" and "focus on his constituency."
Cleverly's decision is a blow to Rishi Sunak, who is seen as the frontrunner in the Tory leadership race
Sunak had reportedly offered Cleverly a number of shadow cabinet positions, including foreign secretary and chancellor.
However, Cleverly said he was not interested in returning to the frontbenches at this time.
Cleverly's decision is likely to fuel speculation that he is considering a bid for the Tory leadership
Cleverly has not ruled out running for leader, but he has said that he is "not actively considering" it at this time.
However, his decision to rule out a shadow cabinet role is seen as a sign that he is keeping his options open.