Local Tories hail Boris Johnson's appointment as Prime Minister

THE elevation of Boris Johnson to Conservative leader and Prime Minister has been welcomed by the three local Tory MPs, all of whom said they were “delighted”.

New Forest members Desmond Swayne and Julian Lewis and their Christchurch colleague Christopher Chope are all ardent leavers of the EU and were confident the new premier – the spearhead of the Vote Leave campaign – would secure the UK’s departure by 31st October.

It was announced on Tuesday that Mr Johnson beat rival Jeremy Hunt in the race to replace outgoing party leader Theresa May. The following day Mr Johnson went to the Queen, was invited to form a government and began appointing members of his cabinet.

Mr Swayne, of New Forest West, declared his support for Mr Johnson in the early stages of the Conservative leadership campaign and has been a long-time fan.

Describing himself “delighted” by developments, he said he did not want a ministerial job, adding: “I only want one thing: to get Brexit done, so that the nation can move on to an exciting modernising agenda – including fibre broadband in every home!”

Asked how Mr Johnson might adapt to his new role, Mr Chope said: “I think it’s going to be exciting, energetic and going to bring the best out of the British people.”

The veteran Tory backbencher added: “I voted for him [Boris] and although I voted tactically at various stages during the process in order to get two leavers into the [Tory leadership] final I have always been a strong supporter of Boris.”

As for Brexit, which Mr Chope was a staunch and vocal advocate of, he said: “I hope we will see very soon that what Theresa May regarded as impossible will be shown not to be.

“Boris’ attitude is very much ‘if there is a will there is a way’ and I think history books will show we underplayed our negotiation hand. It’s difficult to recover the last three years but I think we will be seeing more engaging responses from the EU [in the coming months],” Mr Chope continued.

Some political commentators have said Boris should call a snap election, however, Mr Chope did not agree. “I think most important thing is to deliver Brexit by 31st October,” he said.

“A general election would a major distraction and I hope he will be able to deliver that without being pushed off course by a vote of no-confidence in Parliament.”

The veteran Tory acknowledged many colleagues who were also prominent Leavers were mooted for government jobs under a Johnson premiership, but said he did not expect one.

“I’m thinking I’m lucky to be in Parliament now with a Conservative party leader who actually believes in Conservative principles and values,” Mr Chope said.

Mr Chope served as a transport minister under Margaret Thatcher and he said he believed Boris was the closest match since her of a Tory leader who embodied “instinctive conservatism”.

He went on: “He believes in small state, the freedom and responsibility of the individual and so on, and I’m delighted to be able to serve his government on the back benches.”

When the A&T contacted Dr Lewis, of New Forest East, to ask for his reaction, he sent a snap of him with Mr Johnson (pictured) adding: “I think that image speaks for itself!”

Pressed further, he added: “We can see from recent remarks by Remainers like Philip Hammond MP that the outgoing government was never serious about threatening to leave on World Trade Organisation terms.

“Now Boris is in charge, Brussels will have to make real concessions if it wants to avoid that outcome.”