The Guardian (Nigeria)

Boris Johnson is United Kingdom’s new prime minister

•He’ll be great, says U.S. President Trump •EU eyes constructi­ve working relationsh­ip with leader

- From Tunde Oyedoyin, London

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 votes of 92,153 to defeat Jeremy Hunt, who polled 46,656 ballots. Johnson, who had been the front-runner to the 10 Downing Street administra­tive office of the premier since May tearfully announced her resignatio­n at same venue on May 24 this year, was handed the rein of power at 12.05p.m. when the hugely anticipate­d outcome of the Tory contest was announced at the 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 ‘back benches’ 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 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.

 ??  ?? Former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba (left); Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; wife of the celebrant, Alhaja Abimbola Jakande; Senator Ibikunle Amosun; celebrant/first civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu; his wife, Ibijoke; and minister-designate, Babatunde Fashola, during Jakande’s 90th birthday party in Lagos…yesterday.
Former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba (left); Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; wife of the celebrant, Alhaja Abimbola Jakande; Senator Ibikunle Amosun; celebrant/first civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu; his wife, Ibijoke; and minister-designate, Babatunde Fashola, during Jakande’s 90th birthday party in Lagos…yesterday.

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