Mr Sunak was asked if he’d be spending time in Scotland during an interview.
But the former Chancellor replied by referring to an economic campus in Darlington, a town in north east England.
Mr Sunak said: “I think people can already see that I take that seriously, I mean I was the chancellor who set up an economic campus for the Government and for the treasury of Darlington.
“And not only did I set it up and it was going well when I left and I’m sure it still is, I also spent a lot of time there myself personally and ensured that all my ministers also did," he told Spectator TV.
Rishi Sunak
Jonathan Brady
Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak
PA
Mr Sunak made it to the final two candidates in the Conservative leadership race on Wednesday and will battle it out with Liz Truss to become the next Prime Minister.
The new Tory leader will now be selected by the 200,000-strong party membership.
The winner is expected to be confirmed on September 5.
Speaking after the results were announced, Ms Truss thanked supporters for entrusting her.
She tweeted: “Thank you for putting your trust in me.
“I’m ready to hit the ground from day one.”
While Mr Sunak said the leadership contest has shown the Tory party has “a fantastic range of people in it”.
He said: “This contest has shown that the Conservative Party actually has a fantastic range of people in it, all of whom bring something exceptional and different to the table.
“I’m really excited about the future of Conservative government in this country because of that, and I know that if I’m successful, I will try and build a team that draws on all the talents and strengths in our party, cause that’s what Britain deserves.”
