Boris Johnson is the UK's new Prime Minister: Reactions

Boris Johnson has won the Conservative leadership and is the next British Prime Minister.

Following the resignation of Theresa May, Boris Johnson has won the leadership race after a month of hustings.

As the UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson will lead the country through the Brexit process, with the current deadline set at October 31.

Responding to the announcement, Ian Wright CBE, FDF chief executive said:“The UK’s largest manufacturing sector, food and drink, is central to our critical national infrastructure. The industry employs more than 450,000 people across the nation. UK food and drink is globally renowned for its quality, provenance and taste.

“A no-deal Brexit would destroy that opportunity and much more. It will inflict serious and - in some cases mortal - damage on UK food and drink.

“Prices will rise, there will be significant shortages of some products, and disruption for shoppers and consumers will be far reaching.

“We urge the new Prime Minister and Government to work with us to deliver a withdrawal agreement that guarantees the closest possible trade and regulatory relationship with our nearest neighbours so UK food and drink can flourish.”

Ben Mein, CEO of HARNESS Property Intelligence commented: “Putting personalities to one side, above all else businesses will be pleased that the contest has come to a close so government can now focus on bringing Brexit to a conclusion.

“Investors have understandably been sitting tight until a little more certainty and general clarity surfaces, whilst businesses have been reluctant to expand against this backdrop too. Although it must be said that the commercial property industry has continued to stand firm, the ongoing turbulence isn’t desirable by any stretch.

“What’s important now is that Mr Johnson puts his energy behind ensuring the U.K.’s reputation as a fantastic place to invest in is upheld and businesses of all shapes of sizes can flourish.”

IPSE (the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed) CEO Chris Bryce said: “The Conservatives under Boris must rediscover their place as the party of business.

“Small business in particular is being hit by poorly thought through policies like IR35, which are a massive drag on productivity.”

Director of public policy at Pinsent Masons, Andrew Henderson, commented: “The new Prime Minister faces a daunting challenge in navigating a path to deliver on the 2016 referendum result, while holding together a deeply divided Conservative Party.

“Business leaders will be keenly observing the early days of Mr Johnson’s premiership for indications as to the type of government he plans to lead and, crucially, the Brexit strategy he now intends to pursue.

“While the political landscape will continue to be dominated by Brexit in the near-term, the business community will also be seeking clarity and direction from Mr Johnson’s government across a range of pressing domestic policy areas.”

Stephen Litherland, a director with Teesside-based Hedley Planning Services, wants to see Boris Johnson act quickly and resist more changes to an already ‘overstretched and under-resourced’ planning system.

He explained: “It’s hard to gauge what the new PM believes in, or what plans he has to address our chronic housing crisis. Broad bush policies may be all well and good, but it’s the detail that counts, and it’s hard to see anything at the moment to that specifically addresses planning concerns.

“Despite all the uncertainties, house building continues to be a busy sector and we want to encourage more smaller builders to enter the market in 2019. To achieve this it is vital that an effective and stable planning system is in place to facilitate this.”

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