A clip of hopeful Tory leader Rishi Sunak has gone viral after he talked about Darlington in response to a question about Scotland in a recent interview. 

The former chancellor, whose Richmond constituency is next to that of Darlington, was being interviewed on Spectator TV when he was quizzed about the union and whether he would spend more time in Scotland.

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In response to being asked whether he would be spending more time ‘North of the border’, Mr Sunak said: “I think people can already see I take that seriously – I was the Chancellor who set up an economic campus for the government and for the treasury of Darlington.

"Not only did I set it up and it was going incredibly well when I left, and I am sure it still is, I also spent a lot of time there myself personally and ensured that all my ministers also did in the department, because its not enough to just set up these things, if you want to demonstrate that they matter to you being there is really important.”

The interviewer then appears to look confused by his response. 

A clip of the interview, which has been watched more than 240,000 times in the last few hours, is cut there.

However Mr Sunak goes on to say: "And I’ve already changed how the department works in my own small way as Chancellor for our Northern Campus.

"And you would expect me to so, I think, something similar with regards to the union. I’d want to be in all parts of the union making the positive case for it and engaging with people. I mean that’s part of the job.”

 

 

Mr Sunak has made numerous visits to Darlington while part of the Government and has spent time working at the treasury in the town. 

Social media users were quick to jump on his comments.

One Twitter user said: "I’m originally from Darlington and am delighted to find out today that I am actually Scottish. Thanks Rishi, really wasn’t expecting you to do anything for me. What a day."

Darlington MP Peter Gibson, who is backing Mr Sunak in race to become the next Conservative leader, also appeared to reference it in a tweet, saying: "Love love love everything that @RishiSunak has done for #DARLINGTON, including ensuring that we trend on Twitter. Cheers Rishi. #ReadyForRishi"

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The #LoveDarlo campaign, which promotes events and businesses in the town, also got in on the fun, updating its location on Twitter to Scotland. 

 

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