There was confusion today over whether Norfolk MP George Freeman is running to be prime minster after a Sunday newspaper reported he was working on a bid for the top job.

Mr Freeman, the life sciences minister, reportedly told the Sunday Times he is in the running to become the Conservative leader and is being backed by 30 MPs.

Tim Shipman, political editor for The Sunday Times, reported that Mr Freeman would be running along with Boris Johnson, Theresa May, Nicky Morgan and Stephen Crabb.

But in a bizarre turn of events after his leadership run was announced on the front page of the major publication, Mr Freeman tweeted back: 'Hold on Tim! A grp of us are discssing how best to get a bold Programme of OneNation reforms centre stage. #NoPlans'. The journalist who wrote the story responded asking Mr Freeman if he wanted the MP to print a text message he had sent to him.

Mr Freeman could not be contacted today to clarify his position.