'National interest trumps the party interest,' Chancellor says

The Chancellor warned the candidates to replace Prime Minister Theresa May as leader of the Conservative party against a no-deal Brexit and irresponsible spending.

In an interview with the BBC, Philip Hammond said that a no-deal Brexit would threaten the United Kingdom’s cohesion.

“We need to get the specter of a no-deal exit off the table,” Hammond said. “Leaving with no deal would be a very bad outcome for the economy.”

“I’m not sure that people necessarily have understood what a risk we would be taking, not only with our economy but also with the future of our precious United Kingdom if we left with no deal,” Hammond said.

Many observers expected that a no-deal Brexit could be back on the table once the new leader was elected, since none of the candidates had yet flagged a similar stance on the divorce from the European Union.

Former Foreign Secretary and candidate to the leadership, Boris Johnson, said the UK would be leaving Europe on 31 October with a deal or without one.

Eleven Conservative lawmakers including Johnson have confirmed they are running for the leadership. Significantly, when asked if he too was in the running for PM, Hammond did not answer.

“My concern is to make sure that there is a voice in this competition representing the views that I hold: that we need to resolve the Brexit impasse in a way that protects our businesses and our jobs,” he said.

“I hope this contest does not degenerate into a competition to see who can make the biggest spending or tax cutting pledges, he said. “The Conservative Party has a very strong reputation, well deserved, for being fiscally responsible.”

Hammond made it very clear that he would defend the country’s best interests even at the risk of a clash with his own party.

“I’ve been in parliament for 22 years and I have never once voted against the Conservative whip so it’s not something I would do lightly or enthusiastically. But I am very clear that the national interest trumps the party interest,” Hammond told Sky News.

“If I am presented with a difficult choice I will act in what I believe is the best interest of this country.”