Mumbai: Boris Johnson has been elected leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party and country’s next prime minister.
He beat Jeremy Hunt comfortably, winning 92,153 votes to his rival’s 46,656.
He is set to become prime minister on Wednesday.
A number of Conservative ministers have already announced they will resign to fight against a so-called “no-deal” Brexit, which experts warn would push the UK’s economy into a severe downturn.
In a characteristically flippant acceptance speech, Johnson conceded that even some of his own supporters may “wonder quite what they have done”.
He said that in a crucial moment in history, his party must show its historical potential to “marry a desire to maintain a close relationship with the European Union, with the desire of democratic self-government in this country”.
He reminded the audience of his ministers and party workers of his campaign mantra: “Deliver the breaks, unify the country and beat Jeremy Corbin.”
Johnson is a controversial figure within British politics and journalism. Supporters have praised him as an entertaining, humorous, and popular figure, with an appeal stretching beyond traditional Conservative voters.
Conversely, he has been criticised by figures on both the left and the right, who have accused him of elitism, cronyism, dishonesty, laziness, and using racist and homophobic language. Johnson is the subject of several biographies and a number of fictionalised portrayals.
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and like us on Facebook for the latest updates and interesting stories.
