KNUTSFORD MP George Osborne exclusively told the Guardian today, Friday, that he resigned from his post as Chancellor of the Exchequer, contrary to reports that he was sacked.

In his first interview since the dramatic Cabinet reshuffle, Mr Osborne talked about the ‘new phase’ of his political life and his intentions for the next four years as Tatton MP.

“I resigned,” he said. “I 100 per cent support Theresa May, and I am happy to help her and the Government in whatever way is best. I was willing to serve in other roles, but I understand she wants a new team.

“We face a big challenge in our country now. Theresa May has the strength and determination to do the job. I wish her very well for all our sakes including the constituents of Tatton.

“I have been very clear that I want to remain a Member of Parliament here as elected a year ago, and I am going to do my best to represent my constituency and the constituents.”

Since becoming Shadow Chancellor 11 years ago, Mr Osborne enjoyed a rare Friday afternoon away from Parliament as he enjoyed lunch with his children in Piccolino on Knutsford’s King Street.

“There are lots of plusses to having more time,” he added.

“I get to spend more time with my children. I’m going to think more about what I’m going to do next in politics.

“As you can see - here we are on a Friday; where I would normally be hard at work, I am having a nice lunch in Knutsford.

“I feel incredibly lucky and privileged to have been Chancellor for six years and Shadow Chancellor for five years before that. It is a very long time, longer than almost anyone else.

“I am very proud of the work that we did. It was a team effort turning around the British economy. We have lower employment, a record number of citizens in work and I am immensely proud to have brought that about.”

The former Chancellor, who currently splits his time between his London home and his property in the hills near Macclesfield, says he will still be attending Parliament every week but is ‘committed’ to his role as Tatton MP.

He said: “It’s a new phase of my political life. I will be fighting for Tatton on the back benches now rather than the front bench.”

Mr Osborne, who has campaigned for ‘more and better transport’ in Cheshire says that one of his main priorities is to continue to push for improved infrastructure, including the Mid Cheshire Rail Link Campaign and HS2.