Boris Johnson: ‘Now the war begins!’ Prime Minister issued warning minutes after winning

ITV viewers tuned in to see Ruth Lansford and Eamonn Holmes presenting This Morning today, but halfway through the show, the schedule was interrupted by the announcement that Boris Johnson was the new Conservative party leader and from tomorrow, the new Prime Minister of the country. 

Following the result, viewers returned to the studio where journalist and television presenter Nick Ferrari and journalist Alison Phillips gave their opinions. 

“There we have it,” Holmes commented. “Boris Johnson will become the 77th Prime Minister. Final thoughts?” 

Ferrari was first to discuss and he simply said: “He’s won the battle, now the war begins,” reminding the new Prime Minister there is still a lot of work to be done.

“The war against his own party, against the House of Commons and possibly the war against Brussels.” 

Phillips stated: “And I think he was talking about there about having a ‘can do’ attitude, well that’s great to have optimism and hope, but after a while you just need policies and plans and hard work. 

The result of the contest was announced just after midday with Dame Cheryl Gillan MP revealing Mr Johnson had won with a landslide vote.

Mr Hunt gained 46,656 votes while Mr Johnson obtained a staggering 92,153 votes to be the next Prime Minister.

Addressing the Conservative Party for the first time, Mr Johnson paid homage to his opponent: “I want to begin by thanking my opponent Jeremy for a formidable campaign. He is a great leader and politician. 

“Above all I want to thank our ongoing leader Theresa May for her extraordinary service to the party and country. 

Read More: Boris Johnson crowned new Prime Minister – now let’s get Brexit done 

“It was a privilege to serve in her cabinet and to see her passion and determination.” 

The new Prime Minister is expected to meet with the Queen tomorrow after Theresa May hands in her resignation. 

Speaking after the announcement, ITV political corresponded Robert Peston said Mrs May will likely make a speech tomorrow.

He noted it would have been “humiliating” for her to watch Mr Johnson announced as the next Prime Minister.

Mr Peston said Tory MPs “felt fondly towards her, she had done her best but hadn’t been up the one job they’d asked her to do. but now they want to do the decent thing by her, she will have an elegant exit tomorrow”.

Nevertheless, Ms May took to her official Twitter account to congratulate her successor and pledged to support him from the back benches. 

She wrote: “Many congratulations to Boris Johnson on being elected leader of Conservatives – we now need to work together to deliver a Brexit that works for the whole UK and to keep Jeremy Corbyn out of Government.  

“You will have my full support from the back benches.”

It comes after Ms May announced she would be stepping down from the role in an emotional speech where she said it had been “the honour of my life” to “serve the country that I love.”

This Morning airs weekdays at 10.30am on ITV. 

source: express.co.uk