Boris Johnson has said Partygate doesnât matter to voters – and vowed to lead the Tories into the next election.
The scandal-hit prime minister repeatedly dodged questions over this political future as he flew out to India on a trade mission.
Speaking to journalists on the plane, Johnson said he would not quit – and said he would âof courseâ fight the next election.
‘Get on and focus’
The prime ministerâs travels are taking him away from Westminster as MPs prepare for a crunch vote on whether to investigate if he misled Parliament with his Partygate excuses.
Asked if he was concerned about missing the vote, he said: âI really donât think, I couldnât think of anything more to say, no matter how long I have to sit on the bench, I couldnât add a word to the discussion that would add any value.
âIâm focused on jobs, growth and a fantastic partnership with India.â
Johnsonâs allies are expected to try and delay the vote on Thursday by tabling an amendment to push the confrontation back until after the police and Sur Gray have completed their respective Partygate probes.
And the prime minister rejected calls to put himself forward for a confidence vote to see off his critics.
‘Things that matter’
âThe best thing to do for the people, for Parliament, is to get on and focus on the things we were elected to do,â he said.
âI think politics has taught me one thing which is that youâre better off talking and focussing on the things that matter and the things that make a real difference to the electorate, and not about politicians themselves.â
Questioned whether Partygate doesnât matter, Johnson said: âYouâre better off talking about things other than politicians themselves.â
Asked in what circumstances heâd consider resigning, he said: âIâm not going to speculate. Iâm going to try and focus on the job in a hand. Not a lot would spring to mind at the moment.â
He added: âI donât propose to go.â Asked if he would fight the next election, he said: “Of course, yes.”
Related: Rees-Mogg infuriates with cricket defence of Johnsonâs Partygate conduct