Conservative MP Alex Burghart argued he did not visit Northern Ireland while serving as shadow secretary of state.
Burghardt claimed that “obtaining travel funds” was “not as easy as he had hoped.”
He has held the position since July’s election.
He said his party had been “constantly changing” and it was “very annoying” that he couldn’t visit.
“I really, really want to come and if I had the money I would absolutely do it,” he told BBC’s Good Morning Ulster programme.
The shadow secretary of state said he had visited Northern Ireland “on a number of occasions” in previous government roles and had “spoken to and on the phone with many people in Westminster” in his current role.
“I’m very committed to this work,” he insists.
“One of the reasons I hope I have been appointed to this position is that I know Northern Ireland very well and enjoy it very much,” he added.
Burghardt’s comments came a day after Voting to replace Rishi Sunak ends As leader of the Conservative Party.
The winner will be announced on Saturday morning, nearly four months after the Conservatives suffered a crushing general election defeat that triggered Sunak’s resignation.
Party members have been choosing between former business secretary Kemi Badenock and former immigration secretary Robert Jenrick after MPs eliminated four other candidates in a series of votes.
Burghardt supported Badenock for the leadership position.
