Donald Trump’s pick for FBI Director has said he would refuse to pledge loyalty to the leader and added it would be “highly unlikely” that he would agree to meet the president in a one-on-one situation.

During a four-and-a-half-hour Senate hearing, Christopher Wray said:

“My commitment is to the rule of law, to the constitution, to follow the facts, wherever they may lead, and there isn’t a person on this planet who’s lobbying or influence could convince me to just drop or abandon a properly predicated and meritorious investigation.”

Trump has labelled an inquiry into alleged Russian interference in the US election a “witch hunt”. Wray rejected the description.

The president fired former FBI director James Comey in May, citing the “Russia thing” as the reason for the sacking.

Critics accuse Trump of obstructing the investigation. Among them are California Democrat Brad Sherman who, in a long-shot bid, has filed an article of impeachment against the president.

He made the move a day after Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr, admitted meeting a Russian lawyer during the election campaign. The official promised to provide damaging information from Moscow about Hillary Clinton, Trump’s opponent in the race for the White House.