"I would be very much surprised if the thought had not at least occurred to her," he says, lightly, "but I'm afraid I've no particular insight on that score."

Perhaps a contradiction to the generally understood state of his relationship with the aforementioned. And interesting to follow with:

"We could certainly do worse, in my view, but I doubt that will surprise anyone particularly given her track record. Nor can I say any of the candidates from outside have been particularly impressive."