Rishi Sunak has insisted it is not optional for his MPs to campaign ahead of the general election in July.
Some Tory MPs were this week accused by Conservative headquarters of a 'lack of effort'.
Northern Ireland Secretary Steve Baker was one of many on the list when he decided to go ahead with his plans for a holiday to Greece despite a general election having been called.
When Mr Sunak was asked if campaigning as a Tory MP was optional, he said: “No. Our MPs and candidates are working hard throughout the country. I have been out every day during this campaign spending time with them.
“They work very hard and what they talk about to everyone is the choice in this election. And it is very clear that we live in uncertain times and those uncertain times call for a government that is willing to take bold action, that has a clear plan, because that is how you ensure a secure future for everyone in our country.”
He added: “All the MPs I have spent time with over the last four days are working very hard for their communities.”
Mr Sunak also stressed he has not given up on youth during his visit to a porcelain factory in Stoke-on-Trent.
Since the launch of the campaign last week, the Tories have announced a national service policy for all 18-year-olds and a “quadruple” lock on pensions.
When asked why he had given up on youth, Mr Suank replied: “I didn't do that”.
He said, I just announced a huge one [national service] policies that I believe will be transformational for our country, and incredibly positive for young people.
“I think it will be a hugely positive thing for them to offer young people – whatever their background, where they come from, where they live – the opportunities that the National Service will give them and the skills it will give them later in life to give.
“And at the same time, foster a culture of service and our country, which will make our societies more cohesive and strengthen our security and resilience as a country, but I think service gives you purpose. I think service is a really great thing and it gives people purpose.
“So I see National Services as something that is really positive and useful for people and gives them the opportunity to do that and contribute to their community.”
The Prime Minister believes it could eventually become a “right of passage” for young people in Britain.
He added: “People will look back on it and reflect on their time doing it with enormous fondness and pride. I think. And if you talk to people who are doing this in many other countries, they all feel this way and I want to make sure that our young people here have the same experiences too, regardless of their background and where they are. by.”