Rishi Sunak tries to close the gap on rival in UK leadership race

Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak attends a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street, London, May 24, 2022. [AP]

Rishi Sunak, one of the two contenders to replace British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Monday defended his decision to quit the government and help end Johnson's scandal-tarnished leadership.

Allies of Johnson accuse Sunak of treachery for stepping down as UK Treasury chief last month as the government floundered amid ethics scandals, with a resignation letter, saying "we cannot continue like this". More than 50 government ministers went on to quit, leaving Johnson no choice but to resign as Conservative Party leader.