RORY Stewart says he is fully prepared to walk away from a cabinet role if Boris Johnson becomes prime minister.

The Cumbrian MP was eliminated from the Conservative Party leadership contest this week after making it through to the final five.

During the campaign, he repeatedly clashed with fierce rival Mr Johnson and for some was seen as the candidate who could potentially stop him becoming leader.

But after seeing his support plummet in Wednesday’s vote, the International Development Secretary accepts he could now lose his cabinet seat if Mr Johnson - who remains strong favourite - wins.

Mr Stewart, MP for Penrith and the Border, said that if offered a cabinet post by Mr Johnson, he would turn it down.

“I wouldn’t serve in his cabinet. I’m afraid we disagree on the central issue of the day, which is Brexit,” he said.

“If you’re a cabinet member you have to be part of the team.”

Mr Stewart said that being part of this team would mean he may have to compromise his own views on Brexit.

Despite his failed leadership bid, Mr Stewart remains positive about his campaign - and believes it has strengthened his future career prospects.

“I hope so. What it’s done is given me huge energy and pride in the people of Britain.

“I think there is a real belief and a huge opportunity in the centre ground of British politics for a moderate Conservative message that can reach out to younger people... to people who don’t want to vote for Jeremy Corbyn.

“I think that shows in the huge response to the campaign from the public.”

Mr Stewart’s campaign included impromptu walks, which saw him reveal his location on social media and ask people to come down and meet him.

He said that will continue, both in Cumbria and beyond, and he is continuing to receive support.

“People are still interested. They still want to come to meet me and discuss. I think that’s what has been most important,” he explained.

“It’s something I want to do more of, up and down the country and in my constituency. Instead of scheduling meetings I just want to go out there and speak to people. By doing that you meet all kinds of people and never know what you’re going to find out. It’s been absolutely magical.”

Despite his optimism, Mr Stewart has had his share of criticism - not least for his efforts to push through Theresa May’s Brexit deal.

He has received abuse from both within and outside his own party, but Mr Stewart is not phased.

“That’s the beast of politics. You have a skin like a rhinoceros,” he said.

Despite some negativity, Mr Stewart has also won support from other sides of politics - with many praising his honesty and fresh approach.

Liberal Democrat Tim Farron, MP for South Lakes, tweeted: “I didn’t want to damage my friend and neighbour by being too supportive while he was still in the contest. I can now say that Rory has brought disarming honesty, good humour and decency to the campaign.”

Barrow’s John Woodcock, former Labour MP turned Independent, added: “Rory Stewart right to say there is a gaping hole at the centre of UK politics. He gave people a glimpse of the leadership Britain could have if we had had the guts to be straight with the public about the challenges the country faces and how we genuinely make lives better.”