Conservative Party leader Rishi Sunak said he was wondering if he could be considered an “elder statesman” at the age of 44, as he responded to the King’s Speech. The former prime minister, offering advice to MPs tipped with a bright future, joked in the Commons: “On the Government benches life comes at you fast. “Soon you might be fortunate enough to be tapped on the shoulder and be offered a junior ministerial role, then you’ll find yourself attending cabinet, then in the cabinet and then when the prime minister’s position becomes untenable you might end up being called to the highest office. “And before you know it you have a bright future behind you and you’re left wondering whether you can credibly be an elder statesman at the age of 44.” Mr Sunak earlier condemned abuse aimed at candidates during the General Election, saying: “The intimidation that some candidates received in this election – both physical and digital – was completely unacceptable and is a threat to our electoral process. “There can be no excuse for threats of physical violence or intimidatory protest outside politicians’ homes.”