“A sad indictment”: The internet responds to Boris Johnson’s victory

CARLISLE, ENGLAND – JUNE 29: Conservative leadership candidate Boris Johnson speaks as he takes part in a Conservative Party leadership hustings event at Carlisle Racecourse on June 29, 2019 in Carlisle, England. Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt are the final two MPs left in the contest to replace Theresa May as leader of the Conservative Party. The winner will be announced on July 23rd 2019 and will also take up the post of Prime Minister of the UK and Northern Ireland. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)

Boris Johnson has defeated Jeremy Hunt in the race for the Conservative party leadership, winning with a landslide of 92,153 votes (66.4 per cent) to Hunt’s 46,656 (33.6 per cent).

“You will have my full support from the back benches”, writes Theresa May, who resigned as Conservative leader on 7 June.

Many congratulations to @BorisJohnson 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.

— Theresa May (@theresa_may) July 23, 2019

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“He will be great!”, writes US President Donald Trump.

Congratulations to Boris Johnson on becoming the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He will be great!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 23, 2019

“He hasn’t won the support of the country”, writes Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Boris Johnson has won the support of fewer than 100,000 unrepresentative Conservative Party members by promising tax cuts for the richest, presenting himself as the bankers’ friend, and pushing for a damaging No Deal Brexit.

But he hasn’t won the support of our country.

— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) July 23, 2019

“A sad indictment of the state of modern Britain”, writes David Lammy, Labour MP for Tottenham.

Boris Johnson’s coronation as Tory leader and Prime Minister is a sad indictment of the state of modern Britain.

Even after a career marked by incompetence, lies and vanity, if you have been to the right school and university, you can get the top job in the country. https://t.co/LXlTA04FTz

— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) July 23, 2019

“Add hypocrisy to his long list of failings”, writes Caroline Lucas, Green MP for Brighton Pavilion.

Boris Johnson says it was a privilege to serve in Theresa May’s cabinet and see the passion and determination she brought to the many causes that are her legacy.

Add hypocrisy to his long list of failings
#NotInOurName
https://t.co/WaBXnH9vk4

— Caroline Lucas (@CarolineLucas) July 23, 2019

Priti Patel thinks this will be a “fresh start” for the Conservatives.

The Boris camp delighted with the result. A proper mandate, a “fresh start” as Priti Patel put it to me just now. A handover of power will come with a big turnover of ministers. But how can he unite the team? If he had a big majority he needn’t bother. But he doesn’t.

— Beth Rigby (@BethRigby) July 23, 2019

Boris Johnson was seemingly prepared for his victory.

You can see Boris Johnson’s speech in his suit jacket pocket

— Nick Eardley (@nickeardleybbc) July 23, 2019

Theresa May received farewell gifts this morning.

From lobby: Theresa May chaired final Cabinet this morning. Michael Gove presented her with two gifts from ministers – a black handbag from Liberty (No 10 couldn’t tell us the designer) and a crystal necklace

— Emily Ashton (@elashton) July 23, 2019

“BREAKING: We’re Screwed”, tweets the BBC comedy quiz show Have I Got New for You.