The inbox of challenges awaiting new prime minister Johnson

BREXIT

It proved the downfall of Theresa May and Boris Johnson was elected on a mandate of getting the UK out of the EU by Halloween in line with the existing extension. He says he is ready to leave without a deal, but will struggle to get this through parliament with a majority of MPS last week voting to block such a move.

HS2

The high-speed rail link between the north of England and London has been mired in controversy after estimated costs rose by £30 billion to £70bn. Mr Johnson is expected to announce a review next week.

HEATHROW

Mr Johnson promised in 2015 that he would lie down in front of bulldozers to stop the proposed construction of a third runway at Heathrow, prompting speculation his election could lead to a review. But John Hollandkaye, the airport’s chief executive, has insisted the extension was a “fait accompli”.

IRAN

With tensions rising in the Middle East after the seizure by Iran of a British flagged tanker in the strait of Hormuz last Friday, de-escalating tensions and securing the ship’s release will be one of the key priorities for the new prime minister.

SCOTLAND

Nicola Sturgeon will be in touch over the next few weeks seeking authority, through a Section 30 order, to hold a second referendum on Scottish independence. This has been ruled out in the hustings by Mr Johnson, but as polling indicates support for independence is now neck and neck with remaining in the UK, the situation is fraught with political sensitivities.

ELECTION

There is mounting speculation that Mr Johnson could be ready to go to the polls to secure a fresh mandate for his Brexit plans. It proved disastrous for Theresa May, but with Labour beset by internal warfare over antisemitism and floundering in the polls, Mr Johnson may feel there is an opportunity to strike and secure a fresh mandate for his Brexit strategy.