Boris: It's 'inconceivable' I'll become PM

By Ian Dunt

Boris Johnson played down speculation he would try to become prime minister today, although he refused to rule it out in future.

Westminster has been buzzing with rumours about his leadership ambitions throughout the Olympic period, as his personal popularity soars.

Asked whether he would challenge for the leadership on ITV's Daybreak, he replied: "I think it inconceivable I'm going to be prime minister. At the moment I certainly don't want to be prime minister.

"The chances of that happening are infinitesimally remote."

The hugely ambitious London mayor would have to re-enter parliament to have a shot at the leadership.

While his popularity with the Tory rank-and-file means he would not struggle to get an easy seat, the move from City Hall to Westminster would be politically problematic.

Voters are usually turned-off by such blatant leadership moves and he would face accusations of treachery to David Cameron.