Rishi Sunak doesn't want to look ‘overly eager’ to be UK PM: Report

Rishi Sunak: Rishi Sunak's camp told The Telegraph that he had as many as 140 supporters backing him compared with about 110 who have publicly supported him.

Indian-origin Rishi Sunak is delaying a formal announcement of his candidacy for the UK prime minister position following Liz Truss' resignation until the 11th hour, as the former chancellor does not want to look "overly eager" for the position, a report said.

Rishi Sunak: Britain's former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Conservative MP, Rishi Sunak leaves his home in London. (AFP)

Rishi Sunak's camp told The Telegraph that he had as many as 140 supporters backing him compared with about 110 who have publicly supported him.

Following a leadership campaign against Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak was accused that he had betrayed Boris Johnson in order to further his own personal ambitions, which is why he is yet to confirm his bid for the UK PM post, the report added.

“It also suits him to have garnered as many supporters as possible by the time he decides to do that. This evening he is still picking up supporters every 15 minutes, so his hand gets stronger and stronger. His private numbers are more than 140,” a supporter told Telegraph.

Boris Johnson who is also mulling a return to the prime minister post has not announced that he is running yet.

Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson held talks as the latter returned to London following Liz Truss' resignation.