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Boris Johnson is today succeeding Theresa May as British Prime Minister after winning the two-horse race Conservatives (Tory) party leadership race with an overwhelming vote of 92,153 to defeat Jeremy Hunt, who polled 46,656 ballots.
Johnson, who had been the front-runner to 10 Downing Street administrative office of the premier since May tearfully announced her resignation at the same venue on May 24 this year, was handed the rein of power at 12.05pm when the hugely anticipated outcome of the Tory contest was announced at Queen Elizabeth II Hall in Westminster.
In his acceptance speech, the new head of government told party faithful: “It is time to deliver BREXIT, unite the country and defeat Jeremy Corbyn (of the main opposition Labour Party).”
Sounding naturally very optimistic, Johnson also promised that his government would “energise” the country, acknowledging that the job of governance had begun.
Hunt, however, congratulated and showered encomiums on the new premier, noting: “He will a great leader for our country at this critical moment.”
On her part, May pledged full support to the Johnson administration from the ‘backbenches’ where she will continue her political career as Member of Parliament (MP) for Maidenhead constituency of Berkshire.
Johnson, who was Foreign Minister in May’s regime before resigning over a disagreement with his predecessor’s Brexit plans, used the first speech in reiterating his promise to deliver the outcome of the 2016 referendum by getting the country out of the European Union (EU) on October 31 this year.
However, the opponents of the former London Mayor, including the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, have threatened to block his “No Deal” plans amid fears that it would be economically costly for the United Kingdom.
But United States President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind the new PM, submitting: “He will be a great leader.”
Trump, who had prior to Johnson’s victory, described him as “a great guy” during his three-day official visit to the European nation last month, is not a loner.
The EU chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, said the bloc looks forward to a constructive working relationship with the new leader.