Former foreign minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-wins-conservative-party-leadership-race-set-to-become-uk-pm-237941">Boris Johnson</a> was elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party on Tuesday, and will take over as prime minister when Theresa May steps down on Wednesday.

With the leadership campaign largely dominated by Brexit, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-a-divisive-politician-with-do-or-die-pledge-over-brexit-237944">Johnson has set out little</a> in the way of firm policies, but below are some of his positions on key issues:

Iran

Johnson has said while the 2015 nuclear deal is looking "increasingly frail" and ways need to be found to constrain Iran's "disruptive behaviour", engaging with the Iranians and seeking to persuade them not to pursue a nuclear weapons programme is the right way forward.

He has so far shown little sign of moving closer to US President Donald Trump's more hardline approach, instead saying he agreed with the position taken by European countries to encourage a return to diplomacy. He has said he would not currently back military action.

"I am not going to pretend that the mullahs of Tehran are easy people to deal with or that they are anything other than a disruptive, dangerous, difficult regime, they certainly are," he said during a leadership debate earlier this month.

"But ... if you asked me whether I think we should now, were I to be prime minister now, would I be supporting military action against Iran? Then the answer is no."

Hong Kong

As protests erupted in the former British colony earlier this month over a proposed extradition bill, and a war of words ensued between Britain and China, Johnson told Reuters the people of Hong Kong were "within their rights to be very sceptical, very anxious" about the legislation.

"I do support them and I will happily speak up for them and back them every inch of the way. And I would stress to our friends in Beijing that the one country, two systems approach has worked, is working and should not be cast aside," he said.

Huawei

A final decision on whether to include China's Huawei in Britain's 5G telecoms network has been stalled by May stepping down. Johnson has said while there can be significant benefits to investment from other countries, he would not compromise Britain's national security infrastructure.

"You would not expect me as prime minister to do anything to compromise the ability of our fantastic intelligence services to share information as they do, particularly with our five eyes partners, so that is the principle that will guide us."

Relationship with the United States

Johnson is keen to maintain a strong relationship with the United States and British media have reported he is considering a visit to meet Trump early in his premiership.

His reluctance to antagonise Trump was evident earlier this month when he failed to defend Britain's ambassador to Washington after diplomatic memos in which Kim Darroch described Trump's administration as "inept" were leaked to a newspaper.

Instead Johnson said he had a good relationship with the White House and it was "very important that we should have a close friendship, a close partnership with the United States".

Johnson has since said Darroch told him the lacklustre support was a factor in his decision to resign.

During a leadership debate, Johnson did criticise Trump for his comments about four congresswomen but declined to describe the remarks as racist.

"If you are the leader of great multi-racial, multi-cultural society you simply cannot use that kind of language about sending people back to where they came from, that went out decades and decades ago and thank heavens for that so it is totally unacceptable," he said.

The economy

Johnson has vowed to spend billions of pounds on public services, infrastructure and tax cuts including promises to increase spending on education, transport, superfast broadband and police and end a public sector pay freeze.

He has said he will tap into the 27 billion pounds of "fiscal headroom" that has built up in the public finances, referring to the difference between the government's target for the budget deficit and its projected size.

"Believe me there is cash now available ... I'm prepared to borrow to finance certain great objectives but overall we will keep fiscal responsibility," he said.

British media have reported he is preparing an emergency budget including aggressive tax cuts, an overhaul of the stamp duty property tax and an assault on regulation if there is a no-deal Brexit.

During Johnson's time as mayor of London, he championed financial services but has been trying to rebuild ties with company executives after an expletive against business.

Tax cuts

Johnson has said there is room to make tax cuts and has pledged to raise the level at which the higher rate of income tax is paid. He also wants to raise the threshold at which people start to pay National Insurance.

"We should be raising thresholds of income tax – so that we help the huge numbers that have been captured in the higher rate by fiscal drag. We can go for much greater economic growth – and still be the cleanest, greenest society on earth," he said.

He has also said Britain should cut business taxes but has indicated internet giants could be forced to pay more.

"It's deeply unfair that high street businesses are paying tax through the nose ... whereas the internet giants, the FAANGs - Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and Google - are paying virtually nothing," he said.

Former foreign minister Boris Johnson was elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party on Tuesday, and will take over as prime minister when Theresa May steps down on Wednesday.

Former foreign minister Boris Johnson was elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party on Tuesday, and will take over as prime minister when Theresa May steps down on Wednesday. With the leadership campaign largely dominated by Brexit, Johnson has set out little in the way of firm policies, but below are some of his positions on key issues: Iran Johnson has said while the 2015 nuclear deal is looking "increasingly frail" and ways need to be found to constrain Iran's "disruptive behaviour", engaging with the Iranians and seeking to persuade them not to pursue a nuclear weapons programme is the right way forward. He has so far shown little sign of moving closer to US President Donald Trump's more hardline approach, instead saying he agreed with the position taken by European countries to encourage a return to diplomacy. He has said he would not currently back military action. "I am not going to pretend that the mullahs of Tehran are easy people to deal with or that they are anything other than a disruptive, dangerous, difficult regime, they certainly are," he said during a leadership debate earlier this month. "But ... if you asked me whether I think we should now, were I to be prime minister now, would I be supporting military action against Iran? Then the answer is no." Hong Kong As protests erupted in the former British colony earlier this month over a proposed extradition bill, and a war of words ensued between Britain and China, Johnson told Reuters the people of Hong Kong were "within their rights to be very sceptical, very anxious" about the legislation. "I do support them and I will happily speak up for them and back them every inch of the way. And I would stress to our friends in Beijing that the one country, two systems approach has worked, is working and should not be cast aside," he said. Huawei A final decision on whether to include China's Huawei in Britain's 5G telecoms network has been stalled by May stepping down. Johnson has said while there can be significant benefits to investment from other countries, he would not compromise Britain's national security infrastructure. "You would not expect me as prime minister to do anything to compromise the ability of our fantastic intelligence services to share information as they do, particularly with our five eyes partners, so that is the principle that will guide us." Relationship with the United States Johnson is keen to maintain a strong relationship with the United States and British media have reported he is considering a visit to meet Trump early in his premiership. His reluctance to antagonise Trump was evident earlier this month when he failed to defend Britain's ambassador to Washington after diplomatic memos in which Kim Darroch described Trump's administration as "inept" were leaked to a newspaper. Instead Johnson said he had a good relationship with the White House and it was "very important that we should have a close friendship, a close partnership with the United States". Johnson has since said Darroch told him the lacklustre support was a factor in his decision to resign. During a leadership debate, Johnson did criticise Trump for his comments about four congresswomen but declined to describe the remarks as racist. "If you are the leader of great multi-racial, multi-cultural society you simply cannot use that kind of language about sending people back to where they came from, that went out decades and decades ago and thank heavens for that so it is totally unacceptable," he said. The economy Johnson has vowed to spend billions of pounds on public services, infrastructure and tax cuts including promises to increase spending on education, transport, superfast broadband and police and end a public sector pay freeze. He has said he will tap into the 27 billion pounds of "fiscal headroom" that has built up in the public finances, referring to the difference between the government's target for the budget deficit and its projected size. "Believe me there is cash now available ... I'm prepared to borrow to finance certain great objectives but overall we will keep fiscal responsibility," he said. British media have reported he is preparing an emergency budget including aggressive tax cuts, an overhaul of the stamp duty property tax and an assault on regulation if there is a no-deal Brexit. During Johnson's time as mayor of London, he championed financial services but has been trying to rebuild ties with company executives after an expletive against business. Tax cuts Johnson has said there is room to make tax cuts and has pledged to raise the level at which the higher rate of income tax is paid. He also wants to raise the threshold at which people start to pay National Insurance. "We should be raising thresholds of income tax – so that we help the huge numbers that have been captured in the higher rate by fiscal drag. We can go for much greater economic growth – and still be the cleanest, greenest society on earth," he said. He has also said Britain should cut business taxes but has indicated internet giants could be forced to pay more. "It's deeply unfair that high street businesses are paying tax through the nose ... whereas the internet giants, the FAANGs - Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and Google - are paying virtually nothing," he said.

Boris Johnson's stance on Iran, Trump, Huawei and the economy

Conservative Party today announced<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-a-divisive-politician-with-do-or-die-pledge-over-brexit-237944"> Boris Johnson as their new leader</a>&nbsp;after he won 92, 153 votes beating his rival Britain's foreign minister Jeremy Hunt who won 46,656 votes, paving the way for the new leader to become UK's new prime minister.

Johnson will takeover as Britain's prime minister on July 24. Johnson had said during his campaign that Britain will pull out of the European Union&nbsp;on October 31, even if a deal is not struck with EU&nbsp;leaders.&nbsp;160,000 Conservative Party workers had voted for the PM candidate.

Prime Minister Theresa May will leave office on Wednesday after going to Buckingham Palace to see Queen Elizabeth, who will formally appoint&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;before he enters Downing Street.

Addressing the Conservative Party leaders, Johnson said he was "privileged to be elected leader". "Campaign is over, work will begin now," he told Conservative leaders.

"We need to work together on Brexit," the new Conservative Party leader said. "Fantastic, well-organised campaign.&nbsp;I want to begin by thanking my opponent Jeremy Hunt.&nbsp;A great leader.&nbsp;You've been friendly and good natured, you have great ideas," he said.

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Many congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> on being elected leader of <a href="https://twitter.com/Conservatives?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Conservatives</a> - 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) <a href="https://twitter.com/theresa_may/status/1153622066157015041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I want to thank Theresa May for serving this party and this country," he said," adding, "It was a privilege to serve in her cabinet to see the passion that she brought it."

"Thank you, Theresa, thank you," Johnson added.

Conservative Party today announced Boris Johnson as their new leader after he won 92, 153 votes beating his rival Britain's foreign minister Jeremy Hunt who won 46,656 votes, paving the way for the new leader to become UK's new prime minister.

Conservative Party today announced Boris Johnson as their new leader after he won 92, 153 votes beating his rival Britain's foreign minister Jeremy Hunt who won 46,656 votes, paving the way for the new leader to become UK's new prime minister. Johnson will takeover as Britain's prime minister on July 24. Johnson had said during his campaign that Britain will pull out of the European Union on October 31, even if a deal is not struck with EU leaders. 160,000 Conservative Party workers had voted for the PM candidate. Prime Minister Theresa May will leave office on Wednesday after going to Buckingham Palace to see Queen Elizabeth, who will formally appoint Johnson before he enters Downing Street. Addressing the Conservative Party leaders, Johnson said he was "privileged to be elected leader". "Campaign is over, work will begin now," he told Conservative leaders. "We need to work together on Brexit," the new Conservative Party leader said. "Fantastic, well-organised campaign. I want to begin by thanking my opponent Jeremy Hunt. A great leader. You've been friendly and good natured, you have great ideas," he said. 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 × "I want to thank Theresa May for serving this party and this country," he said," adding, "It was a privilege to serve in her cabinet to see the passion that she brought it." "Thank you, Theresa, thank you," Johnson added.

Boris Johnson wins Conservative Party leadership race; to become new UK PM

Boris Johnson was on Tuesday elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party, winning the race to be the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-wins-conservative-party-leadership-race-set-to-become-uk-pm-237941">country's next prime minister</a>. Johnson and his rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, spent the last month crossing the country seeking to win over the fewer than 200,000 Conservative Party members who will choose Britain's new leader.

Johnson will formally take over as prime minister on Wednesday afternoon, succeeding Theresa May, who stepped down over her failure to get parliament to ratify her Brexit deal. A former London mayor, Johnson resigned as foreign minister a year ago over May's Brexit plans.

He is a divisive politician known for his often bumbling persona and dishevelled mop of blond hair.

He recently broke the record for the most money raised by a British politician in his bid to become prime minister, winning the backing of eurosceptic financiers after hardening his Brexit stance with a "do or die" pledge.

Johnson was propelled into the major league of UK politics by his election in 2008 as mayor of London, a left-leaning city where he showed that he had sufficient popular appeal to cut across party lines and defeat a Labour incumbent.

Re-elected in 2012 for a second four-year term, Johnson has used City Hall as a platform to air his views on a range of subjects well beyond his mayoral remit, not least the EU, and to hone his personal brand, especially during the 2012 Olympics.

His critics say that he has often favoured style over substance, dedicating relatively little time to policy detail and pursuing other interests such as his well-paid regular Telegraph column and a recent book about Winston Churchill.

Having first been elected a Conservative member of parliament in 2001, Johnson quit his parliamentary position in 2008 when he first became mayor but was re-elected to the House of Commons in the 2015 general election, a move widely seen as a necessary first step towards a potential bid to replace David Cameron as prime minister.

Boris Johnson was on Tuesday elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party, winning the race to be the country's next prime minister. Johnson and his rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, spent the last month crossing the country seeking to win over the fewer than 200,000 Conservative Party members who will choose Britain's new leader.

Boris Johnson was on Tuesday elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party, winning the race to be the country's next prime minister. Johnson and his rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, spent the last month crossing the country seeking to win over the fewer than 200,000 Conservative Party members who will choose Britain's new leader. Johnson will formally take over as prime minister on Wednesday afternoon, succeeding Theresa May, who stepped down over her failure to get parliament to ratify her Brexit deal. A former London mayor, Johnson resigned as foreign minister a year ago over May's Brexit plans. He is a divisive politician known for his often bumbling persona and dishevelled mop of blond hair. He recently broke the record for the most money raised by a British politician in his bid to become prime minister, winning the backing of eurosceptic financiers after hardening his Brexit stance with a "do or die" pledge. Johnson was propelled into the major league of UK politics by his election in 2008 as mayor of London, a left-leaning city where he showed that he had sufficient popular appeal to cut across party lines and defeat a Labour incumbent. Re-elected in 2012 for a second four-year term, Johnson has used City Hall as a platform to air his views on a range of subjects well beyond his mayoral remit, not least the EU, and to hone his personal brand, especially during the 2012 Olympics. His critics say that he has often favoured style over substance, dedicating relatively little time to policy detail and pursuing other interests such as his well-paid regular Telegraph column and a recent book about Winston Churchill. Having first been elected a Conservative member of parliament in 2001, Johnson quit his parliamentary position in 2008 when he first became mayor but was re-elected to the House of Commons in the 2015 general election, a move widely seen as a necessary first step towards a potential bid to replace David Cameron as prime minister.

Boris Johnson: A divisive politician with 'do or die' pledge over Brexit

Boris Johnson, who has pledged to deliver Brexit on October 31, is in the final leg of battle on Monday (July 22) with Jeremy Hunt to become the ruling Conservative party's leader and Britain's next prime minister. Johnson and Hunt are locked in a battle to succeed Theresa May, who resigned as prime minister after failing three times to get parliamentary approval for a withdrawal deal for Britain's exit from the European Union. Whoever takes over will have the job not only of trying to steer Britain out of the EU by the next deadline, October 31, but dealing with a raft of challenges from an unpredictable U.S. president to mounting tensions with Iran.

New UK PM to be announced today

Boris Johnson is expected to be elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-urgent-tasks-for-britains-new-prime-minister-237901">country's next prime minister</a> on Tuesday, tasked with following through on his "do or die" pledge to deliver Brexit in just over three months time.

Johnson and his rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, have spent the last month crisscrossing the country seeking to win over the less than 200,000 Conservative Party members who will choose Britain's new leader.

Voting closed at 1600 GMT on Monday and the result is due to be announced on Tuesday morning. The winner will formally take over as prime minister on Wednesday afternoon, succeeding Theresa May, who stepped down over her failure to get parliament to ratify her Brexit deal.

Johnson, a former London mayor who resigned as foreign minister a year ago over May's Brexit plans, is the clear favourite to replace her, with several polls putting him on around 70 per cent.

He will inherit a political crisis over Britain's exit from the European Union, currently due to take place on Oct. 31. Johnson must persuade the EU to revive talks on a withdrawal deal that it has been adamant cannot be reopened, or else lead Britain into the economic uncertainty of an unmanaged departure.

The only deal on the table has been rejected three times by parliament and many lawmakers - including pro-EU rebels in the Conservative Party - are also vowing to block Johnson trying to take Britain out of the EU without a deal.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-would-do-great-job-as-british-pm-donald-trump-237196">Boris Johnson would do 'great job' as British PM, says Donald Trump</a>

He has said he would ramp up preparations for a no-deal to try to force the EU's negotiators to make changes to the accord.

"We will, of course, be pushing our plan into action, and getting ready to come out on October 31st, come what may...do or die, come what may," Johnson told TalkRadio last month.

Johnson is not likely to start announcing key ministerial appointments until Wednesday, but his victory in the leadership contest is expected to prompt several resignations in the deeply divided Conservative Party.

Two junior ministers have already quit over Johnson's willingness to leave the EU without transition arrangements and finance minister Philip Hammond and justice minister David Gauke have both said they plan to resign before they are sacked.

Brexit without a divorce deal - as anti-EU hardliners would like - would abruptly wrench the world's fifth-largest economy away from the bloc. Critics say this would undermine global growth, buffet financial markets and weaken London's position as the pre-eminent international financial centre.

Boris Johnson is expected to be elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party and the country's next prime minister on Tuesday, tasked with following through on his "do or die" pledge to deliver Brexit in just over three months time.

Boris Johnson is expected to be elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party and the country's next prime minister on Tuesday, tasked with following through on his "do or die" pledge to deliver Brexit in just over three months time. Johnson and his rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, have spent the last month crisscrossing the country seeking to win over the less than 200,000 Conservative Party members who will choose Britain's new leader. Voting closed at 1600 GMT on Monday and the result is due to be announced on Tuesday morning. The winner will formally take over as prime minister on Wednesday afternoon, succeeding Theresa May, who stepped down over her failure to get parliament to ratify her Brexit deal. Johnson, a former London mayor who resigned as foreign minister a year ago over May's Brexit plans, is the clear favourite to replace her, with several polls putting him on around 70 per cent. He will inherit a political crisis over Britain's exit from the European Union, currently due to take place on Oct. 31. Johnson must persuade the EU to revive talks on a withdrawal deal that it has been adamant cannot be reopened, or else lead Britain into the economic uncertainty of an unmanaged departure. The only deal on the table has been rejected three times by parliament and many lawmakers - including pro-EU rebels in the Conservative Party - are also vowing to block Johnson trying to take Britain out of the EU without a deal. Also read: Boris Johnson would do 'great job' as British PM, says Donald Trump He has said he would ramp up preparations for a no-deal to try to force the EU's negotiators to make changes to the accord. "We will, of course, be pushing our plan into action, and getting ready to come out on October 31st, come what may...do or die, come what may," Johnson told TalkRadio last month. Johnson is not likely to start announcing key ministerial appointments until Wednesday, but his victory in the leadership contest is expected to prompt several resignations in the deeply divided Conservative Party. Two junior ministers have already quit over Johnson's willingness to leave the EU without transition arrangements and finance minister Philip Hammond and justice minister David Gauke have both said they plan to resign before they are sacked. Brexit without a divorce deal - as anti-EU hardliners would like - would abruptly wrench the world's fifth-largest economy away from the bloc. Critics say this would undermine global growth, buffet financial markets and weaken London's position as the pre-eminent international financial centre.

Boris Johnson set to become next UK PM as Conservatives announce new leader

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-bracing-to-become-britains-brexit-prime-minister-237375">Britain's next prime minister</a> will face an overflowing inbox when he takes office on July 24: delivering Brexit, building a relationship with Donald Trump, deciding what to do about Iran and governing without a majority in parliament.

The winner of the Conservative party leadership contest will be announced on Tuesday and should take office as prime minister on Wednesday.

Boris Johnson, leader of the 2016 campaign to leave the European Union, is the front-runner to succeed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theresa-may-quits-as-party-leader-starting-succession-race-225177">Theresa May</a>. His rival is Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who voted "remain" in the Brexit referendum but has repeatedly promised to take Britain out of the EU.

Below are the most urgent tasks the winner will have to tackle:

1) Governing

To <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-brexit-minister-urges-european-union-to-reopen-withdrawal-deal-talks-234121">deliver Brexit</a>, one of the most divisive policies in decades, the new premier will have to show he can win votes in parliament and govern after three years of political crisis.

But he could face a vote of no confidence in the 650-seat parliament as early as his second day in office if the main opposition Labour Party calls one.

On its own, the ruling Conservative Party does not have the majority needed for the new prime minister to survive such a vote, relying under May on the support of 10 allied Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) lawmakers to govern.

Even if the DUP backed the new prime minister in a confidence vote, a handful of Conservative lawmakers have threatened to vote against their party if Britain looks set for a no-deal Brexit.

Failure to clear this first hurdle would collapse the government and could trigger a general election.

2) Brexit

Both Hunt and Johnson want to renegotiate a new deal with the EU, ditching parts of the accord May struck with Brussels last year, which was rejected by parliament three times.

The EU has repeatedly said it will not renegotiate the legally binding part of that deal, the 'Withdrawal Agreement' which sets out a transition period to smooth Britain's exit.

The problem for the next prime minister is that the withdrawal agreement contains the most contentious part of the exit deal an insurance policy to prevent border controls between EU member Ireland and British province Northern Ireland.

EU negotiators are ready to explore several options with the new prime minister, but these fall well short of what Johnson and Hunt say they want.

Hunt and Johnson want to ditch the so-called backstop; the EU says it has to stay.

If Britain cannot negotiate a new deal, or parliament rejects whatever the new leader brings back from Brussels, the country will be headed for an unmanaged exit from the EU a so-called no-deal Brexit on Oct. 31.

Johnson and Hunt both say they have to make sure Britain is fully prepared for such an outcome because it is an important negotiating tool and they cannot rule out that it may happen.

Britain had conducted substantial work toward preparing for no-deal ahead of the original Brexit deadline of March 29, but as the date approached many expressed concern that those preparations were incomplete and had stagnated.

3) Trump and the United States

The new prime minister will need a good relationship with the United States, Britain's closest military ally and a major export market, to help mitigate any impact of stepping away from the EU its biggest trading partner.

But relations between Britain and the United States have suffered in recent weeks after the leak of confidential memos from the British ambassador to Washington which reportedly described Donald Trump's administration as inept.

How the new leader moves on from the spat which saw Trump respond angrily and the ambassador resigns could set the tone for transatlantic ties during a critical period for Britain.

Both sides say they want to agree on a swift and comprehensive free trade agreement after Britain leaves the EU, but political will is likely to determine how quickly that can be done.

4) Iran and China

The United States and European allies are pulling in different directions over the best approach to Iran's nuclear programme, leaving Britain with a difficult choice about who to align with.

Iranian Revolutionary Guards seized the British-flagged tanker Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, in apparent retaliation for the British capture of an Iranian tanker two weeks earlier.

Allies are watching closely to see whether the new British leader will move towards the United States and away from the EU over Iran policy.

The new prime minister will also have to decide what role Chinese technology firm Huawei will be given in British communications infrastructure, with Trump warning that the security risks are high and could endanger intelligence ties.

That decision could also set the course of relations with China, one of Britain's top targets when it comes to building stronger trading ties outside the EU.

5) Beyond Brexit

While the next prime minister's first test will be to deliver Brexit, he will have to craft a viable long-term vision of post-Brexit Britain that can win over voters, investors and international allies.

Ultimately, the new leader will have to decide what sort of economy the United Kingdom wants and how it will pitch that to the world while choosing between aligning with either European or American regulations.

Britain's next prime minister will face an overflowing inbox when he takes office on July 24: delivering Brexit, building a relationship with Donald Trump, deciding what to do about Iran and governing without a majority in parliament.

Britain's next prime minister will face an overflowing inbox when he takes office on July 24: delivering Brexit, building a relationship with Donald Trump, deciding what to do about Iran and governing without a majority in parliament. The winner of the Conservative party leadership contest will be announced on Tuesday and should take office as prime minister on Wednesday. Boris Johnson, leader of the 2016 campaign to leave the European Union, is the front-runner to succeed Theresa May. His rival is Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who voted "remain" in the Brexit referendum but has repeatedly promised to take Britain out of the EU. Below are the most urgent tasks the winner will have to tackle: 1) Governing To deliver Brexit, one of the most divisive policies in decades, the new premier will have to show he can win votes in parliament and govern after three years of political crisis. But he could face a vote of no confidence in the 650-seat parliament as early as his second day in office if the main opposition Labour Party calls one. On its own, the ruling Conservative Party does not have the majority needed for the new prime minister to survive such a vote, relying under May on the support of 10 allied Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) lawmakers to govern. Even if the DUP backed the new prime minister in a confidence vote, a handful of Conservative lawmakers have threatened to vote against their party if Britain looks set for a no-deal Brexit. Failure to clear this first hurdle would collapse the government and could trigger a general election. 2) Brexit Both Hunt and Johnson want to renegotiate a new deal with the EU, ditching parts of the accord May struck with Brussels last year, which was rejected by parliament three times. The EU has repeatedly said it will not renegotiate the legally binding part of that deal, the 'Withdrawal Agreement' which sets out a transition period to smooth Britain's exit. The problem for the next prime minister is that the withdrawal agreement contains the most contentious part of the exit deal an insurance policy to prevent border controls between EU member Ireland and British province Northern Ireland. EU negotiators are ready to explore several options with the new prime minister, but these fall well short of what Johnson and Hunt say they want. Hunt and Johnson want to ditch the so-called backstop; the EU says it has to stay. If Britain cannot negotiate a new deal, or parliament rejects whatever the new leader brings back from Brussels, the country will be headed for an unmanaged exit from the EU a so-called no-deal Brexit on Oct. 31. Johnson and Hunt both say they have to make sure Britain is fully prepared for such an outcome because it is an important negotiating tool and they cannot rule out that it may happen. Britain had conducted substantial work toward preparing for no-deal ahead of the original Brexit deadline of March 29, but as the date approached many expressed concern that those preparations were incomplete and had stagnated. 3) Trump and the United States The new prime minister will need a good relationship with the United States, Britain's closest military ally and a major export market, to help mitigate any impact of stepping away from the EU its biggest trading partner. But relations between Britain and the United States have suffered in recent weeks after the leak of confidential memos from the British ambassador to Washington which reportedly described Donald Trump's administration as inept. How the new leader moves on from the spat which saw Trump respond angrily and the ambassador resigns could set the tone for transatlantic ties during a critical period for Britain. Both sides say they want to agree on a swift and comprehensive free trade agreement after Britain leaves the EU, but political will is likely to determine how quickly that can be done. 4) Iran and China The United States and European allies are pulling in different directions over the best approach to Iran's nuclear programme, leaving Britain with a difficult choice about who to align with. Iranian Revolutionary Guards seized the British-flagged tanker Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, in apparent retaliation for the British capture of an Iranian tanker two weeks earlier. Allies are watching closely to see whether the new British leader will move towards the United States and away from the EU over Iran policy. The new prime minister will also have to decide what role Chinese technology firm Huawei will be given in British communications infrastructure, with Trump warning that the security risks are high and could endanger intelligence ties. That decision could also set the course of relations with China, one of Britain's top targets when it comes to building stronger trading ties outside the EU. 5) Beyond Brexit While the next prime minister's first test will be to deliver Brexit, he will have to craft a viable long-term vision of post-Brexit Britain that can win over voters, investors and international allies. Ultimately, the new leader will have to decide what sort of economy the United Kingdom wants and how it will pitch that to the world while choosing between aligning with either European or American regulations.

Five urgent tasks for Britain's new prime minister

The voting closes Monday in the contest to become Britain's next prime minister, with Boris Johnson expected to be confirmed as the winner charged with delivering Brexit.

After a month-long contest between former London mayor Johnson and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, the postal votes of up to 160,000 grassroots Conservatives will decide the governing party's next leader.

The voting window slams shut at 5:00 pm (1600 GMT).

The result will be announced on Tuesday, with the winner immediately becoming the new Conservative leader, the victor taking office as prime minister on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Both candidates have had a rocky end to the campaign.

Finance minister Philip Hammond announced Sunday that he would make a point of resigning before Johnson became prime minister, saying he could never agree to his Brexit strategy.

Meanwhile, Hunt has had to deal with the fallout of Iran's seizure of a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf.

In one of her final acts as prime minister, Theresa May will chair a meeting of Britain's COBR emergencies committee at around 10:30 am (0930 GMT).

"As well as receiving the latest updates from ministers and officials, the COBR meeting will discuss the maintenance of the security of shipping in the Persian Gulf," a Downing Street spokeswoman said.

Hunt said parliament would be updated Monday on the situation in the Gulf.

Risks to Johnson premiership

The final posted votes will be delivered to Conservative headquarters in London on Monday morning. Any last remaining votes will have to be delivered by hand or courier.

An online poll of 1,199 members conducted Friday and Saturday by the Conservative Home website put Johnson on 73 per cent.

Bookmakers give Hunt around a one in 15 chance of winning.

The Conservatives command a razor-thin majority in parliament's lower House of Commons and Johnson's opponents -- both within and outside the party -- are keen to scupper his leadership.

Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union on October 31, with or without a divorce deal.

Opponents of Brexit, and especially of a no-deal departure, are plotting moves against Johnson.

Some Conservatives, Hammond included, have hinted they are prepared to bring down their own government rather than accept leaving the EU without an agreement.

Hammond has no illusions of remaining in the post under a Johnson premiership and has said he will resign before being moved on in a reshuffle.

"I cannot accept the idea of leaving with no deal on October 31," Hammond said.

Justice Secretary David Gauke also said Sunday he would quit the government if Johnson became prime minister.

The Sunday Times newspaper reported that up to six europhile Conservative MPs were considering defecting to the centrist, pro-EU Liberal Democrats should Johnson win -- leaving him without a Commons majority.

- May's last acts - 
Hammond, May and Hunt are the only three ministers who have continuously stayed in the cabinet since the Conservatives returned to office in 2010 under the then prime minister David Cameron.

May will answer questions in parliament as prime minister for the final time at midday (1100 GMT) Wednesday before heading to Buckingham Palace to tender her resignation to Queen Elizabeth II.

The head of state will then invite the new Conservative leader to form an administration.

If Johnson wins the leadership contest, Hammond will resign between prime minister's questions in parliament and May going to see the sovereign.

The voting closes Monday in the contest to become Britain's next prime minister, with Boris Johnson expected to be confirmed as the winner charged with delivering Brexit.

The voting closes Monday in the contest to become Britain's next prime minister, with Boris Johnson expected to be confirmed as the winner charged with delivering Brexit. After a month-long contest between former London mayor Johnson and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, the postal votes of up to 160,000 grassroots Conservatives will decide the governing party's next leader. The voting window slams shut at 5:00 pm (1600 GMT). The result will be announced on Tuesday, with the winner immediately becoming the new Conservative leader, the victor taking office as prime minister on Wednesday. Both candidates have had a rocky end to the campaign. Finance minister Philip Hammond announced Sunday that he would make a point of resigning before Johnson became prime minister, saying he could never agree to his Brexit strategy. Meanwhile, Hunt has had to deal with the fallout of Iran's seizure of a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf. In one of her final acts as prime minister, Theresa May will chair a meeting of Britain's COBR emergencies committee at around 10:30 am (0930 GMT). "As well as receiving the latest updates from ministers and officials, the COBR meeting will discuss the maintenance of the security of shipping in the Persian Gulf," a Downing Street spokeswoman said. Hunt said parliament would be updated Monday on the situation in the Gulf. Risks to Johnson premiership The final posted votes will be delivered to Conservative headquarters in London on Monday morning. Any last remaining votes will have to be delivered by hand or courier. An online poll of 1,199 members conducted Friday and Saturday by the Conservative Home website put Johnson on 73 per cent. Bookmakers give Hunt around a one in 15 chance of winning. The Conservatives command a razor-thin majority in parliament's lower House of Commons and Johnson's opponents -- both within and outside the party -- are keen to scupper his leadership. Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union on October 31, with or without a divorce deal. Opponents of Brexit, and especially of a no-deal departure, are plotting moves against Johnson. Some Conservatives, Hammond included, have hinted they are prepared to bring down their own government rather than accept leaving the EU without an agreement. Hammond has no illusions of remaining in the post under a Johnson premiership and has said he will resign before being moved on in a reshuffle. "I cannot accept the idea of leaving with no deal on October 31," Hammond said. Justice Secretary David Gauke also said Sunday he would quit the government if Johnson became prime minister. The Sunday Times newspaper reported that up to six europhile Conservative MPs were considering defecting to the centrist, pro-EU Liberal Democrats should Johnson win -- leaving him without a Commons majority. - May's last acts - Hammond, May and Hunt are the only three ministers who have continuously stayed in the cabinet since the Conservatives returned to office in 2010 under the then prime minister David Cameron. May will answer questions in parliament as prime minister for the final time at midday (1100 GMT) Wednesday before heading to Buckingham Palace to tender her resignation to Queen Elizabeth II. The head of state will then invite the new Conservative leader to form an administration. If Johnson wins the leadership contest, Hammond will resign between prime minister's questions in parliament and May going to see the sovereign.

Final hours of voting in race to become British Prime Minister

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-would-do-great-job-as-british-pm-donald-trump-237196">Boris Johnson</a> is expected to become Britain's next prime minister this week, vowing to deliver Brexit on October 31 come what may, in the face of fierce opposition in parliament.

The former London mayor is the runaway favourite to win the governing Conservative Party's leadership contest and replace <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dancing-queen-theresa-may-boogies-to-abba-in-final-days-as-british-pm-236201">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> on Wednesday.

The postal ballot of 160,000 grassroots party members is expected to return Johnson, 55, as the new Conservative leader over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-jeremy-hunt-to-contest-conservative-leadership-michael-gove-eliminated-in-final-ballot-229043">Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt</a> when the result is announced on Tuesday.

Any remaining ballots must be delivered by the Monday 5:00pm (1600 GMT) deadline. Bookmakers give Hunt around a one in 15 chance of victory.

While Johnson spent a relatively trouble-free Saturday, Hunt, his successor in the Foreign Office, was dealing with Iran's seizure of a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf.

The threat to the majority&nbsp;

The centre-right Conservatives command a razor-thin majority in parliament's lower <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-parliament-remains-divided-on-brexit-options-207308">House of Commons</a> and Johnson's opponents both within and outside the party are keen to scupper his leadership.

Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union on October 31, with or without a divorce deal.

Opponents of Brexit, and especially of a no-deal departure, are plotting moves against Johnson.

Some Conservatives have hinted they are prepared to bring down their own government rather than accept leaving the EU without a deal.

Justice Secretary David Gauke said he would quit the government if Johnson became prime minister.

He told The Sunday Times newspaper that a no-deal Brexit would trigger national "humiliation".&nbsp;

The broadsheet reported that up to six europhile Conservative MPs were considering defecting to the centrist, pro-EU Liberal Democrats should Johnson win leaving him without a Commons majority.

'Right side of history'&nbsp;

Pro-EU protesters rallied in central London on Saturday in anticipation of Johnson taking office.

The "No to Boris, yes to Europe" protest saw a giant balloon of Johnson inspired by the similar blimp of US President Donald Trump flying outside parliament.

"I want to be on the right side of history. I think anybody who considers Brexit to be a good solution, really hasn't considered the facts," demonstrator Tamara Bishop told AFP.

Claire Payton said of Johnson: "He's going to be appalling."

Michael Fowler, wearing an EU-flag beret, added: "He is a chancer that will say anything, promise anything and then do whatever suits him. Which might be completely the opposite to what he's promised."

'Good relationship': Trump&nbsp;

Trump said he spoke to Johnson on Thursday.

"He is going to do a great job," the president said Friday.

Trump renewed his criticism of May, saying she had done "a very poor job" with Brexit and predicted that Johnson would fix the "disaster".&nbsp;

"He's a different kind of a guy, but they say I'm a different kind of a guy too. We get along well. I think we'll have a very good relationship," Trump told reporters.

After a month-long campaign, the winner of the contest will be announced on Tuesday as the new Conservative Party leader.

May will answer questions in parliament as prime minister for the final time on Wednesday before heading to Buckingham Palace to tender her resignation to Queen Elizabeth II, the head of state.

The sovereign will then invite the new Conservative leader to form an administration.

May, who took office following the seismic 2016 Brexit referendum, has vowed to be "absolutely" loyal to her successor.

She will remain in parliament as the MP for her Maidenhead constituency in southern England.

"It is important that we have a Conservative government, particularly given the nature of the opposition we have," she told the Daily Express newspaper.

The Labour main opposition is riven with in-fighting over Brexit, anti-Semitism and veteran leftist Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.

"I will be doing everything I can to make sure that we have a Conservative government," said May.

The 62-year-old added that initially she would "take some time off, have a holiday and adjust to the new world".

Boris Johnson is expected to become Britain's next prime minister this week, vowing to deliver Brexit on October 31 come what may, in the face of fierce opposition in parliament.

Boris Johnson is expected to become Britain's next prime minister this week, vowing to deliver Brexit on October 31 come what may, in the face of fierce opposition in parliament. The former London mayor is the runaway favourite to win the governing Conservative Party's leadership contest and replace Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday. The postal ballot of 160,000 grassroots party members is expected to return Johnson, 55, as the new Conservative leader over Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt when the result is announced on Tuesday. Any remaining ballots must be delivered by the Monday 5:00pm (1600 GMT) deadline. Bookmakers give Hunt around a one in 15 chance of victory. While Johnson spent a relatively trouble-free Saturday, Hunt, his successor in the Foreign Office, was dealing with Iran's seizure of a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf. The threat to the majority The centre-right Conservatives command a razor-thin majority in parliament's lower House of Commons and Johnson's opponents both within and outside the party are keen to scupper his leadership. Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union on October 31, with or without a divorce deal. Opponents of Brexit, and especially of a no-deal departure, are plotting moves against Johnson. Some Conservatives have hinted they are prepared to bring down their own government rather than accept leaving the EU without a deal. Justice Secretary David Gauke said he would quit the government if Johnson became prime minister. He told The Sunday Times newspaper that a no-deal Brexit would trigger national "humiliation". The broadsheet reported that up to six europhile Conservative MPs were considering defecting to the centrist, pro-EU Liberal Democrats should Johnson win leaving him without a Commons majority. 'Right side of history' Pro-EU protesters rallied in central London on Saturday in anticipation of Johnson taking office. The "No to Boris, yes to Europe" protest saw a giant balloon of Johnson inspired by the similar blimp of US President Donald Trump flying outside parliament. "I want to be on the right side of history. I think anybody who considers Brexit to be a good solution, really hasn't considered the facts," demonstrator Tamara Bishop told AFP. Claire Payton said of Johnson: "He's going to be appalling." Michael Fowler, wearing an EU-flag beret, added: "He is a chancer that will say anything, promise anything and then do whatever suits him. Which might be completely the opposite to what he's promised." 'Good relationship': Trump Trump said he spoke to Johnson on Thursday. "He is going to do a great job," the president said Friday. Trump renewed his criticism of May, saying she had done "a very poor job" with Brexit and predicted that Johnson would fix the "disaster". "He's a different kind of a guy, but they say I'm a different kind of a guy too. We get along well. I think we'll have a very good relationship," Trump told reporters. After a month-long campaign, the winner of the contest will be announced on Tuesday as the new Conservative Party leader. May will answer questions in parliament as prime minister for the final time on Wednesday before heading to Buckingham Palace to tender her resignation to Queen Elizabeth II, the head of state. The sovereign will then invite the new Conservative leader to form an administration. May, who took office following the seismic 2016 Brexit referendum, has vowed to be "absolutely" loyal to her successor. She will remain in parliament as the MP for her Maidenhead constituency in southern England. "It is important that we have a Conservative government, particularly given the nature of the opposition we have," she told the Daily Express newspaper. The Labour main opposition is riven with in-fighting over Brexit, anti-Semitism and veteran leftist Jeremy Corbyn's leadership. "I will be doing everything I can to make sure that we have a Conservative government," said May. The 62-year-old added that initially she would "take some time off, have a holiday and adjust to the new world".

Boris Johnson bracing to become Britain's Brexit Prime Minister

Opponents of Britain`s exit from the EU hoisted a "Boris blimp" portraying the UK`s likely next prime minister as a crying child as they demonstrated outside parliament on Saturday.

Boris Johnson, a former London mayor, has been one of the figureheads of the movement to take Britain out of the EU and has pledged to complete the schism by the end of October.

Inspired by the orange blimp of a baby Donald Trump that mocked the US&nbsp;President during his visit to London last month, the balloon featured Johnson in a t-shirt emblazoned with a red bus and the figure 350 million pounds, referring to his promise of clawing back cash from Brussels to spend on Britain`s state health service instead.
<img alt="Blimp depicting Boris Johnson" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9345f465-4410-4cfb-b663-431239975a08" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2019-07-20T153858Z_1_LYNXNPEF6J0BE_RTROPTP_4_BRITAIN-EU-MARCH.JPG" /><img alt="Blimp depicting Boris Johnson" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c80a2e48-2b52-4adf-8a79-02c9bf3e5107" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2019-07-20T153858Z_1_LYNXNPEF6J0BG_RTROPTP_4_BRITAIN-EU-MARCH.JPG" />
Prime Minister Theresa May announced her resignation two months ago after failing to win parliamentary approval for the exit deal she had negotiated with Brussels and her successor will be announced next week.

Johnson, who is widely expected to replace her, has pledged to leave the EU with or without a transition deal on October&nbsp;31.

Brexit without a divorce deal would abruptly wrench the world`s fifth-largest economy away from the bloc. Critics say this would undermine global growth, buffet financial markets and weaken London`s position as the pre-eminent international financial centre.

Opponents of Britain`s exit from the EU hoisted a "Boris blimp" portraying the UK`s likely next prime minister as a crying child as they demonstrated outside parliament on Saturday.

Opponents of Britain`s exit from the EU hoisted a "Boris blimp" portraying the UK`s likely next prime minister as a crying child as they demonstrated outside parliament on Saturday. Boris Johnson, a former London mayor, has been one of the figureheads of the movement to take Britain out of the EU and has pledged to complete the schism by the end of October. Inspired by the orange blimp of a baby Donald Trump that mocked the US President during his visit to London last month, the balloon featured Johnson in a t-shirt emblazoned with a red bus and the figure 350 million pounds, referring to his promise of clawing back cash from Brussels to spend on Britain`s state health service instead. Prime Minister Theresa May announced her resignation two months ago after failing to win parliamentary approval for the exit deal she had negotiated with Brussels and her successor will be announced next week. Johnson, who is widely expected to replace her, has pledged to leave the EU with or without a transition deal on October 31. Brexit without a divorce deal would abruptly wrench the world`s fifth-largest economy away from the bloc. Critics say this would undermine global growth, buffet financial markets and weaken London`s position as the pre-eminent international financial centre.

'Boris blimp' takes to the London skies in pro-EU protest

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-doubt-about-it-we-shot-it-down-says-trump-on-iranian-drone-237194">US President Donald Trump</a> said Friday that Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be Britain's next prime minister, would do a "great job" in the post after the pair had a telephone conversation.

"I like him," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "I spoke to him yesterday."

"He is going to do a great job," the Republican president added. "We get along well."

Trump renewed his long-standing criticisms of May, saying she had done "a very poor job"&nbsp;of taking Britain out of the EU and predicting that Brexit hardliner Johnson would fix the "disaster."&nbsp;

"He's a different kind of a guy, but they say I'm a different kind of a guy too. We get along well. I think we'll have a very good relationship," Trump told reporters.

Earlier this month, Trump lashed out at May following the leak of diplomatic cables from Britain's ambassador to Washington describing the US leader as "inept," and voiced thanks that her premiership would soon be over.

"What a mess she and her representatives have created. I told her how it should be done, but she decided to go another way," he tweeted.

Watch:&nbsp;Hunt in final days of battle with Johnson to become UK

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hunt-in-final-days-of-battle-with-johnson-to-become-uk-236478/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Johnson is tipped to replace Theresa May as prime minister next week, when the results of a postal ballot by the governing Conservative Party are revealed.

US President Donald Trump said Friday that Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be Britain's next prime minister, would do a "great job" in the post after the pair had a telephone conversation.

US President Donald Trump said Friday that Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be Britain's next prime minister, would do a "great job" in the post after the pair had a telephone conversation. "I like him," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "I spoke to him yesterday." "He is going to do a great job," the Republican president added. "We get along well." Trump renewed his long-standing criticisms of May, saying she had done "a very poor job" of taking Britain out of the EU and predicting that Brexit hardliner Johnson would fix the "disaster." "He's a different kind of a guy, but they say I'm a different kind of a guy too. We get along well. I think we'll have a very good relationship," Trump told reporters. Earlier this month, Trump lashed out at May following the leak of diplomatic cables from Britain's ambassador to Washington describing the US leader as "inept," and voiced thanks that her premiership would soon be over. "What a mess she and her representatives have created. I told her how it should be done, but she decided to go another way," he tweeted. Watch: Hunt in final days of battle with Johnson to become UK Johnson is tipped to replace Theresa May as prime minister next week, when the results of a postal ballot by the governing Conservative Party are revealed.

Boris Johnson would do 'great job' as British PM: Donald Trump

On Wednesday UK Conservative leadership candidates Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt faced their final hustings. In an eye-catching move Johnson brandished a kipper on stage, and said the plastic wrapping it was covered in was an example of European Union (EU) rules increasing business costs in the UK. Watch this video to know more.

Boris Johnson's tryst with fake news

The chance that Britain will leave the European Union without a deal is the highest since October 2017, economists polled by Reuters say, as arch-Brexiteer Boris Johnson looks set to take over as prime minister next week.

Johnson was the face of the 2016 campaign to quit the EU and has said he would be willing to leave on October&nbsp;31 without a deal. The median forecast of that happening was 30% in the July 15-18 poll, up from 25% last month and 15% in May.

"The likelihood of a Boris Johnson premiership and the rhetoric which has surfaced during the campaign suggests that this outcome is more likely than we previously believed," said Peter Dixon at Commerzbank.

With Jeremy Hunt, Johnson's rival for the premiership, also keen to display his credentials as a hard Brexiteer, sterling &lt;GBP=&gt; has plunged this week to lows not seen in over two years as investors price in the growing risk of a disorderly Brexit.

Lawmakers voted on Thursday to make it harder for the next prime minister to try to force a no-deal Brexit, giving some support to sterling, and a strong majority of economists polled still think the two sides will eventually settle on a free-trade deal, as they have since late 2016, when Reuters first started asking the question.

But in second place this month was the more extreme option of leaving without a deal and trading under World Trade Organization rules.

The third most likely outcome was the other compromise option of Britain remaining a member of the European Economic Area, paying into the EU budget to maintain access to the single market yet having no say over policy.

Fourth place went to cancelling Brexit.

Hold it

As the chance of a hard Brexit has increased, so has the likelihood of a recession. The median forecast for one in the coming year was 30% and of one in the next two years was 35%, up from 25% and 30% respectively in June's poll.

Growth forecasts remained modest, with the economy expected to expand 0.3-0.4% per quarter through to the end of next year.

Those forecasts were either left unchanged or lowered, so what has shifted are expectations about what the Bank of England will do with interest rates.

No change is now expected to the bank rate, which has sat at 0.75% for nearly a year, until 2021 at the earliest. In June's poll, a 25 basis point hike was expected in the third quarter of next year.

"While the UK consumer price inflation backdrop appears relatively benign, the fact that wage growth is holding up suggests&nbsp;it's too early to be thinking about rate cuts," said James Smith at ING.

"But the increasing uncertainty surrounding Brexit suggests policy tightening is equally unlikely this year."

Only 27 of 76 economists polled now expect an increase to Bank Rate before the end of next year, compared to 36 of 69 last month. On the flip side, nine of 76 are expecting a cut by end-2020 compared to five of 69 in June.

The Royal Bank of Canada, a primary dealer of British government bonds, changed its call earlier this month and said the BoE would be forced to cut interest rates this year because of rising risks to Britain from Brexit and global trade tensions.

"We don't necessarily share the view that the UK economy will see a substantial pick-up in growth even in a smooth Brexit," RBC economists Peter Schaffrik and Cathal Kennedy said in a note to clients.

Monetary Policy Committee member Gertjan Vlieghe said in a speech at Thomson Reuters last week that the Bank might need to cut interest rates almost to zero after a no-deal Brexit.

That shift in sentiment echoes expectations for other major central banks. The European Central Bank is likely to cut its deposit rate later this year and there are widespread expectations the United States Federal Reserve will cut at its meeting this month.

But unlike its peers, the BoE has less to worry about when focussing on its mandate for price stability.

The slump in sterling has driven up prices in import-reliant Britain and the economists who were polled expected inflation to hover around the Bank's target for the next three years at least, the poll found.

The chance that Britain will leave the European Union without a deal is the highest since October 2017, economists polled by Reuters say, as arch-Brexiteer Boris Johnson looks set to take over as prime minister next week.

The chance that Britain will leave the European Union without a deal is the highest since October 2017, economists polled by Reuters say, as arch-Brexiteer Boris Johnson looks set to take over as prime minister next week. Johnson was the face of the 2016 campaign to quit the EU and has said he would be willing to leave on October 31 without a deal. The median forecast of that happening was 30% in the July 15-18 poll, up from 25% last month and 15% in May. "The likelihood of a Boris Johnson premiership and the rhetoric which has surfaced during the campaign suggests that this outcome is more likely than we previously believed," said Peter Dixon at Commerzbank. With Jeremy Hunt, Johnson's rival for the premiership, also keen to display his credentials as a hard Brexiteer, sterling <GBP=> has plunged this week to lows not seen in over two years as investors price in the growing risk of a disorderly Brexit. Lawmakers voted on Thursday to make it harder for the next prime minister to try to force a no-deal Brexit, giving some support to sterling, and a strong majority of economists polled still think the two sides will eventually settle on a free-trade deal, as they have since late 2016, when Reuters first started asking the question. But in second place this month was the more extreme option of leaving without a deal and trading under World Trade Organization rules. The third most likely outcome was the other compromise option of Britain remaining a member of the European Economic Area, paying into the EU budget to maintain access to the single market yet having no say over policy. Fourth place went to cancelling Brexit. Hold it As the chance of a hard Brexit has increased, so has the likelihood of a recession. The median forecast for one in the coming year was 30% and of one in the next two years was 35%, up from 25% and 30% respectively in June's poll. Growth forecasts remained modest, with the economy expected to expand 0.3-0.4% per quarter through to the end of next year. Those forecasts were either left unchanged or lowered, so what has shifted are expectations about what the Bank of England will do with interest rates. No change is now expected to the bank rate, which has sat at 0.75% for nearly a year, until 2021 at the earliest. In June's poll, a 25 basis point hike was expected in the third quarter of next year. "While the UK consumer price inflation backdrop appears relatively benign, the fact that wage growth is holding up suggests it's too early to be thinking about rate cuts," said James Smith at ING. "But the increasing uncertainty surrounding Brexit suggests policy tightening is equally unlikely this year." Only 27 of 76 economists polled now expect an increase to Bank Rate before the end of next year, compared to 36 of 69 last month. On the flip side, nine of 76 are expecting a cut by end-2020 compared to five of 69 in June. The Royal Bank of Canada, a primary dealer of British government bonds, changed its call earlier this month and said the BoE would be forced to cut interest rates this year because of rising risks to Britain from Brexit and global trade tensions. "We don't necessarily share the view that the UK economy will see a substantial pick-up in growth even in a smooth Brexit," RBC economists Peter Schaffrik and Cathal Kennedy said in a note to clients. Monetary Policy Committee member Gertjan Vlieghe said in a speech at Thomson Reuters last week that the Bank might need to cut interest rates almost to zero after a no-deal Brexit. That shift in sentiment echoes expectations for other major central banks. The European Central Bank is likely to cut its deposit rate later this year and there are widespread expectations the United States Federal Reserve will cut at its meeting this month. But unlike its peers, the BoE has less to worry about when focussing on its mandate for price stability. The slump in sterling has driven up prices in import-reliant Britain and the economists who were polled expected inflation to hover around the Bank's target for the next three years at least, the poll found.

Chance of no-deal Brexit rises as Johnson leads Hunt: Poll

For almost a decade, Alexander Temerko, who forged a career at the top of the Russian arms industry and had connections at the highest levels of the Kremlin, has been an influential figure in British politics.

For almost a decade, Alexander Temerko, who forged a career at the top of the Russian arms industry and had connections at the highest levels of the Kremlin, has been an influential figure in British politics. He's one of the Conservative Party's major donors. He counts Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be Britain's next PM, among his friends. Temerko, born in what was then Soviet Ukraine, presents himself in public as an entrepreneur who opposes Britain's departure from the European Union because it's bad for his UK energy business, and as a dissident critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin. But in more than half a dozen conversations with this reporter, conducted over the past three years as part of the research for a book, he showed a different side of his career and views. Temerko revealed himself to be a supporter of Johnson's bid to lead Britain out of the EU, describing the 2016 public vote to leave the bloc as a "revolution against bureaucracy." He praised senior Russian security officials, including the current and former heads of the Federal Security Service (FSB), successor to the KGB, and proudly recalled his past work with Russia's Defence Ministry. These new insights into Temerko's private thinking about Johnson, Brexit, and Russia come as the ruling Conservative Party is choosing its next leader, and as some British MPs are increasingly wary of possible Russian influence over British politics. The result of the Conservative Party leadership contest is expected on July 23. Temerko has gifted more than £1 million to the Conservatives since he gained British citizenship in 2011, electoral finance records show - a significant amount by UK standards. Johnson is not among the politicians recorded as having received donations from Temerko. But the industrialist has financed some of Johnson's important allies in parliament, including one of the men running his campaign for the Tory leadership, James Wharton, who also serves as a paid adviser to the UK energy firm where Temerko is a director. Temerko spoke warmly about his "friend" Johnson, telling how the two men sometimes call each other "Sasha," the Russian diminutive for Alexander, which is Johnson's real first name. He described how, at the beginning of Johnson's tenure as Foreign Secretary from 2016 to 2018, they would often "plot" late into the evening over a bottle of wine on the balcony of Johnson's office at parliament in Westminster. Johnson's press secretary Lee Cain didn't respond to repeated requests for comment for this article. The Conservative Party said only that "donations to the Conservative Party are properly and transparently declared to the Electoral Commission, published by them, and fully comply with the law." In one conversation in February this year, Temerko said he'd joined an unsuccessful attempt led by members of a group of hardline Conservative MPs, the European Research Group, to remove Theresa May as the leader in December 2018. The MPs were unhappy at May's failure to take Britain out of the EU almost three years after Britons voted to leave. Temerko didn't detail his role in the move, but a senior Conservative Party member confirmed that Temerko was "very much behind the attempt to oust" May. The party member declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter. May finally resigned on June 7. Jacob Rees Mogg, chairman of the European Research Group, said in response to Reuters' questions that Temerko "has no link formal or informal" with the group. Rees Mogg said he didn't know Temerko, but couldn't speak for Temerko's relationship with individual MPs. May's office referred Reuters' questions about the episode to the Conservative Party, which didn't comment. In the same conversation in February, Temerko spoke in positive terms about one of Putin's closest and most powerful allies, Nikolai Patrushev, the hawkish head of Russia's Security Council and former long-time head of the FSB security service, describing him as a "decent family man." On another occasion, he said of Patrushev, "There is much more positive than negative about him." One of Temerko's former business partners in Russia, Leonid Nevzlin, said Temerko had long-standing ties with Russian security agencies but declined to say whether he believes those ties remain active. Nevzlin and Temerko were shareholders in oil firm Yukos before Putin's government seized control of the company. Nevzlin, who was one of the main shareholders, said Yukos's management brought Temerko in "for several projects as well as for his contacts at the top of the Federal Security Service and the Defence Ministry." Nevzlin added that Temerko knew Patrushev "well." Asked to respond, Temerko said in a follow-up interview this week that his role at Yukos encompassed the oil company's connections with the entire Russian state, not just with the Defence Ministry. His relations with people in the security services, he added, were "formal" and not "personal." He denied having any ongoing links with Russian security services. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Temerko "has no connection to the Kremlin or the Russian authorities. We do not know this gentleman." Reuters couldn't reach Patrushev for comment. Asked this week about the apparent contradiction between his private and public statements on Brexit, Temerko said his views changed with time and he was "evolutionary." He said he joined the push to oust May because he thought she should be more flexible in negotiating a route out of the EU. In recent weeks, as Johnson's campaign gathered pace, Temerko has appeared to distance himself from his friend. In an interview with the Daily Telegraph in June, Temerko said he was switching support from Johnson to his rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, over Johnson's apparent willingness to take Britain out of the EU without securing an agreement over the terms of the withdrawal. Temerko repeated this stance in a blog post for the Huffington Post on July 3, calling for Conservatives to reject the "fairytale" being offered by the "fun blonde guy," a reference to the fair-haired Johnson. As recently as February, Temerko told this reporter: "Jeremy is very dangerous. He really does occupy the center-ground. He's very clever. He's a person of the system." There is no record of Temerko providing any financing to Hunt, and none of Temerko's longstanding allies work on the Hunt campaign. A spokesperson for Hunt declined to comment. This portrait of Temerko and his activity comes as some MPs worry about possible Russian interference in British democracy. In February this year, parliament's committee overseeing digital and media matters called on the government to investigate attempts by Russia to influence the June 2016 referendum on Britain's EU membership, amid growing evidence in the United States and elsewhere that the Kremlin has been pursuing a campaign to divide and disrupt Western democracies. Ben Bradshaw, a senior Labour parliamentarian who was the first MP to raise concern about potential Kremlin interference in the 2016 Brexit referendum, said Reuters' findings were "extremely troubling." "We know the Kremlin seeks to disrupt, destabilise and influence our democracy in a number of ways. We must have complete confidence that the close relationships between Conservative politicians and Russian business people with ties to the Putin regime are above board and free from Kremlin influencing operations. The fact that an ex-Tory MP who is running Johnson's leadership campaign is employed by Mr. Temerko is extraordinary." The senior Conservative with knowledge of Temerko's efforts to remove May said some members of the party had distanced themselves from the businessman in recent months, as concerns have grown over Temerko's Russian connections. But "others," he said about Johnson, were "still close." The party member indicated that Conservative Chairman Brandon Lewis and Sir Graham Brady, then the head of the Conservative Party's 1922 Committee, a parliamentary group, had been briefed about these concerns. The source declined to give further details about the briefings. Brady did not respond to an emailed request for comment. A spokesperson for Lewis declined to comment. The Conservative Party didn't comment. Electoral Commission records show Temerko, and UK companies linked to him, have made donations to 11 individual MPs, including Lewis, the chairman of the Tory Party, while helping fund as many as 27 local branches of the Conservative Party in areas where Tory MPs won election in the north of England, Wales, and London. There is no record of him providing funds to Johnson or his constituency, and this year much of his funding activity seems to have petered out. In the February 2019 conversation, as May faced overwhelming parliamentary opposition to her EU withdrawal agreement, Temerko forecast that if Brexit isn't implemented, "the time of the mainstream parties will end," and "the old system will be destroyed." His friend Johnson, he predicted then, could lead a new movement backing Brexit. Those comments about a new political era chimed with remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin. In an interview with the Financial Times in June, Putin trumpeted the rise of national populist movements in Europe and the United States, saying that "the liberal idea has become obsolete." Putin has rarely commented directly on Brexit, which he says is a matter for the British people. At his annual press conference in December 2018, he decried the idea of holding a second referendum on Brexit and said the UK government had to implement Britain's departure from the EU, otherwise, faith in democratic procedures would be undermined. FROM RUSSIA TO LONDON Temerko rose to prominence in the Russia arms industry in the 1990s, in the wild days that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union. Three former Russian business partners, including Nevzlin, as well as a former Russian intelligence officer, said Temerko grew close with the Russian security services. Those ties were forged in the 1990s, these people said when Temerko served as head of a state committee for the military and later as head of a strategic Russian state arms company known as Russkoye Oruzhie, or Russian Weapons. Russkoye Oruzhie no longer exists. Temerko cultivated close relations with the Russian defence minister of the early 1990s, Pavel Grachev. Temerko has described the late Grachev as his "handler." Temerko has boasted to this reporter that he had three-star and four-star Russian generals working under him. In 1999, Temerko became a member of the board and significant shareholder at one of the new Russia's most successful companies, Yukos, led by the charismatic billionaire Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Temerko said he helped Yukos secure a lucrative contract to supply the Russian army with oil. As head of the oil firm's government relations, he'd also led a push by Yukos to build an oil pipeline to China and, according to one of the former business partners, he'd travelled with other Yukos officials on many business trips they made abroad. "He knew the Russian ambassadors and consuls of every country," this former business partner said. Temerko said he knew many but not all of them. Things went sour for Yukos when Khodorkovsky tried to build a political power base for himself. When Khodorkovsky was arrested and jailed on fraud charges in October 2003, Temerko was the only Yukos shareholder who remained in the country to negotiate with the Kremlin. The remaining shareholders fled fearing they would face arrest. Temerko told how his standing with the Kremlin was such that he was able to try to negotiate about ways to preserve Yukos and secure Khodorkovsky's release directly with Igor Sechin, the then-deputy head of the Kremlin administration and the Putin security man seen as the mastermind behind the Kremlin campaign to take over Yukos. Temerko said that in those days his status meant he was essentially untouchable. His security ties, he said, once got him access to a meeting of the Russian Security Council, the circle of 24 top Russian officials, chaired by Putin, who steer national security policy. In the event, Khodorkovsky remained in jail for 10 years, while Temerko also fled. Sechin has previously denied orchestrating the legal campaign to take over Yukos. Sechin could not be reached for comment for this article. NEW FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES Temerko arrived in Britain in 2005, saying he was a refugee from the politically charged takeover of Yukos. The Russian government had charged him with defrauding the state oil major Rosneft. Temerko denied the charge, saying the case was part of the Russian government's campaign against Yukos and its former top managers. The High Court in London declined a Russian request for Temerko's extradition in December 2005, saying it was politically motivated. The case bolstered his standing as a Russian dissident who'd suffered at the hands of the Russian state, helping secure his footing as a donor who could be trusted. Temerko won entrée to the top of the Conservative Party during David Cameron's premiership that began in 2010. At the time, according to Russian financier and Conservative Party activist, Sergei Cristo, the Tories were seeking new sources of cash following the 2008 financial crisis. Temerko paid £90,000 for a bronze bust of Cameron at a fundraising auction in 2013, now displayed at the Carlton Club, an exclusive London private members club. Cameron couldn't be reached for comment. Temerko's donations translated into access. In 2014, he was appointed by the local branch of the party as a vice-president of the Cities of London and Westminster Conservative Association, which delivered even greater opportunity to mix with leading Tories. Temerko also became part of the Conservative Party donor club The Leader's Group, where £50,000 in annual membership fees grants access to the prime minister and other senior ministers at dinners, cocktail receptions, and other events. In the conversations of the last three years, Temerko boasted he played an important role in securing election victories for the Conservative Party at a time when it "was fighting for every vote." Together with OGN Group, a major steel manufacturer in the UK's northeast, where he served as director, he said he'd sponsored 40 members of parliament in previous elections. "My business was one of the biggest businesses that supported the Conservative Party and its deputies in northern England," he said in the February 2019 conversation, adding he'd brought in supporters from Britain's East European minority. OGN Group is now in liquidation. The Conservative Party didn't comment. In public remarks, Temerko has consistently said he opposes Brexit because it will damage his UK business interests, which now centre on a firm, Aquind Ltd, developing an undersea electric power link between Britain and France. On his website, he says he is a "vocal supporter" of British membership of the EU. While Temerko has publicly spoken out against Brexit and has made donations to parliamentarians who campaigned to remain in the EU, at least two Conservative politicians close to Temerko played key roles on the Brexit side in the run-up to the June 2016 referendum. One of them is Wharton, a former Conservative MP who is overseeing Johnson's leadership campaign, at the same time as being a paid adviser to the power firm Aquind Ltd where Temerko is a director. In June 2013, Wharton put forward the parliamentary bill that first called for a referendum on Britain's EU membership. Temerko made £25,000 in political donations to Wharton between 2013 and 2015, disclosures to parliament show, a relatively large figure for an individual British MP, helping fund his re-election in 2015 in a constituency neighbouring Temerko's OGN Group steelworks. Wharton didn't respond to a request for comment. The minister of state for exiting the EU, Martin Callanan, served on the board of Temerko's Aquind from May 2016 to June 2017, at which time he joined the government. Callanan didn't respond to a request for comment. In a conversation with this reporter in July 2016, shortly after Britons voted to leave the EU, Temerko was jubilant about the possibilities of Johnson leading Britain's exit from the bloc. By then, Johnson was the most powerful figure in the "Leave" campaign. "We know that if Boris is our elected leader then our party membership will grow. There would be massive support for our party at election," he said at the time. The vote to leave the EU, he added, was "a revolution against bureaucracy." During the same conversation, Temerko said "a group of East European businessmen" had helped sway Johnson into a siding in February 2016 with campaigners for Britain's departure from the EU after months of sitting on the fence. But Temerko declined to name any of these East European businessmen and declined to repeat this comment. Temerko's allies are at the helm of Johnson's campaign. Wharton, the adviser to Temerko's power firm Aquind Ltd, has overseen the day to day running of Johnson's campaign, particularly in its initial stages. Gavin Williamson, the former UK defence secretary whom Temerko has frequently described as "a good lad," helped lead Johnson's campaign to win the support of his parliamentary colleagues to replace Theresa May. Conservative parliamentarians whittled the field down to two candidates in a series of votes in June before handing the final choice to the party's estimated 160,000 members. Williamson declined to comment. Temerko says he is "friends" with political strategist Sir Lynton Crosby, whose firm, CTF Partners, gave Johnson a £20,000 interest-free loan and a £3,000 cash donation late last year, according to a disclosure to parliament by Johnson. A co-founder of CTF, Mark Fullbrook, is the Johnson campaign's chief executive. Crosby declined to comment. CTF says it isn't involved in the Johnson campaign and Fullbrook is on a leave of absence, working voluntarily for Johnson's leadership bid. Temerko has said his days as a power player in Moscow are over. He has told this reporter he is now persona non-grata with the Russian authorities, especially after he publicly called in 2015 for the UK to supply weapons to Ukraine to assist it in its war with pro-Kremlin separatists because only a show of force would stop the conflict. "They consider that I am among those who directed the UK government against them. I am a warmonger. I am more of an enemy now than when I was in Yukos," he said. Kremlin spokesman Peskov said he couldn't comment because he doesn't know who Temerko is. Temerko retains at least one powerful connection, however. One of Temerko's former business partners said the industrialist is in contact with Andrei Guryev, the owner of Russian fertilizer giant Phosagro. Guryev, too, has become a notable figure in Britain. He owns Witanhurst, a vast estate in Highgate in the north of London that is the UK's second-biggest house after Buckingham Palace. Guryev declined to comment. Temerko confirmed his friendship with Guryev. "Guryev is a good guy," Temerko said. "He's a very nice character. He's a sportsman. He's a kind fellow."

In British PM race, a former Russian tycoon quietly wields influence

The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both condemned on Monday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-ditched-iran-deal-to-spite-obama-new-memo-leak-claims-235625">US President Donald Trump</a>'s xenophobic tweets about progressive Democrat congresswomen as "totally offensive" and "totally unacceptable".

But front-runner Boris Johnson and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-jeremy-hunt-says-donald-trump-comments-disrespectful-and-wrong-234518">Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt</a> refused to call the tweets racist when pressed to do so during their last debate before next week's announcement of who will succeed Prime Minister Theresa May.

May's spokesman had earlier said that the outgoing leader's view was that Trump's comments were "completely unacceptable".

On Monday Trump doubled down on a series of his tweets from the day before urging the four congresswomen of colour&nbsp;to "go back" to the countries they came from.

"If you're not happy here, you can leave," Trump told reporters at the White House.

Johnson said the original tweets expressed sentiments "that went out decades and decades ago".

"I think the relations between the UK and US are incredibly important," said Johnson.

"But if you are the leader of a great multiracial, multicultural society, you simply cannot use that kind of language about sending people back where they came from," Johnson said.

"It's unacceptable and I agree with the prime minister."

Trump has developed good relations with Johnson and backs both his leadership bid and determination to take Britain out of the EU.

Pressed by the moderator to call Trump's tweets racist, Johnson said: "I've said what I said."

Hunt recalled that he had three half-ethnically Chinese children who are British citizens.

"If anyone said to them, go back to China, I would be utterly appalled," Hunt said. "It is un-British to say that."

Pressed to call the comments racist, Hunt signaled that he would have been he, not Britain's chief diplomat.

"Look, I am foreign secretary, this is the president of a country which happens to be our closest ally and so it is not gonna help the situation to use that kind of language about the president of the United States," Hunt said.

"I can understand how many people of this country would want me to use those words, and would feel that sentiment," he added.

"But I hope I have made clear how offensive it is to me that people are still saying that kind of thing."

Some 160,000 paying members of the ruling Conservative Party are currently picking the country's new leader.

The winner of the mail-in ballot will be announced on July 23. The new prime minister formally assumes office the following day.

The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both condemned on Monday US President Donald Trump's xenophobic tweets about progressive Democrat congresswomen as "totally offensive" and "totally unacceptable".

The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both condemned on Monday US President Donald Trump's xenophobic tweets about progressive Democrat congresswomen as "totally offensive" and "totally unacceptable". But front-runner Boris Johnson and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt refused to call the tweets racist when pressed to do so during their last debate before next week's announcement of who will succeed Prime Minister Theresa May. May's spokesman had earlier said that the outgoing leader's view was that Trump's comments were "completely unacceptable". On Monday Trump doubled down on a series of his tweets from the day before urging the four congresswomen of colour to "go back" to the countries they came from. "If you're not happy here, you can leave," Trump told reporters at the White House. Johnson said the original tweets expressed sentiments "that went out decades and decades ago". "I think the relations between the UK and US are incredibly important," said Johnson. "But if you are the leader of a great multiracial, multicultural society, you simply cannot use that kind of language about sending people back where they came from," Johnson said. "It's unacceptable and I agree with the prime minister." Trump has developed good relations with Johnson and backs both his leadership bid and determination to take Britain out of the EU. Pressed by the moderator to call Trump's tweets racist, Johnson said: "I've said what I said." Hunt recalled that he had three half-ethnically Chinese children who are British citizens. "If anyone said to them, go back to China, I would be utterly appalled," Hunt said. "It is un-British to say that." Pressed to call the comments racist, Hunt signaled that he would have been he, not Britain's chief diplomat. "Look, I am foreign secretary, this is the president of a country which happens to be our closest ally and so it is not gonna help the situation to use that kind of language about the president of the United States," Hunt said. "I can understand how many people of this country would want me to use those words, and would feel that sentiment," he added. "But I hope I have made clear how offensive it is to me that people are still saying that kind of thing." Some 160,000 paying members of the ruling Conservative Party are currently picking the country's new leader. The winner of the mail-in ballot will be announced on July 23. The new prime minister formally assumes office the following day.

UK Prime Minister hopeful slam Donald Trump tweets, but refuse to call them racist

England's all-rounder Ben Stokes is likely to receive knighthood after showcasing a match-winning performance against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-coach-wants-rules-to-review-after-hollow-world-cup-final-236266">New Zealand</a> in the finals of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

Stokes played an unbeaten knock of 84 runs and after his performance, UK Prime Minister candidates Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt said they would go to the maximum to give Stokes "knighthood".

It may be noted that Johnson or Hunt will replace outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May later this month.

"I will give dukedoms, whatever - I will go to the maximum, too, what, the Garter King of Arms. Yes is the answer, absolutely," cricket.com.au quoted Johnson as saying.

"Of course," added Hunt, when asked about granting knighthood to Stokes during the debate.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-euphoric-reactions-of-british-grandma-to-englands-historic-world-cup-triumph-236364">England </a>scripted history on Sunday by claiming their first-ever World Cup title.

The finals will be remembered for ages as it did not have a winner after the 50-over and super over action both ended in a tie.

In the end, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/allah-was-with-us-captain-morgan-hails-diverse-cultures-as-england-win-world-cup-with-rest-of-world-236174">England </a>were announced as the winner as they had hit more boundaries - 26 - as compared to New Zealand's 17 boundaries in the match.

New Zealand had set up a target of 242 for England to win the World Cup.

As the hosts needed nine runs off three balls, Stokes hit the ball into the deep off Trent Boult and ran for a double.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-is-champ-twitter-reacts-after-james-neesham-tells-kids-not-to-take-up-sport-236079">New Zealand</a>'s Martin Guptill threw the ball in an attempt to run out Stokes but the ball bounced off Stokes'&nbsp;bat and reached the boundary.

As a result, England were awarded six runs - two for a double and four for an overthrow.

It may be noted that eleven English cricketers have already been knighted for their services to cricket.

Most recently, Sir Alastair Cook was knighted for his performance in both ODI and Test format.28-year-old Stokes had a difficult two years to deal with as he missed the 2017-18 Ashes over his involvement in a brawl in Bristol.

The incident had left a man with facial injuries, but Stokes was later found not guilty of affray.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dramatic-world-cup-final-the-best-game-ever-says-england-hero-ben-stokes-235986">England </a>will next take on Australia in the Ashes starting August 1.

England's all-rounder Ben Stokes is likely to receive knighthood after showcasing a match-winning performance against New Zealand in the finals of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

England's all-rounder Ben Stokes is likely to receive knighthood after showcasing a match-winning performance against New Zealand in the finals of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. Stokes played an unbeaten knock of 84 runs and after his performance, UK Prime Minister candidates Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt said they would go to the maximum to give Stokes "knighthood". It may be noted that Johnson or Hunt will replace outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May later this month. "I will give dukedoms, whatever - I will go to the maximum, too, what, the Garter King of Arms. Yes is the answer, absolutely," cricket.com.au quoted Johnson as saying. "Of course," added Hunt, when asked about granting knighthood to Stokes during the debate. England scripted history on Sunday by claiming their first-ever World Cup title. The finals will be remembered for ages as it did not have a winner after the 50-over and super over action both ended in a tie. In the end, England were announced as the winner as they had hit more boundaries - 26 - as compared to New Zealand's 17 boundaries in the match. New Zealand had set up a target of 242 for England to win the World Cup. As the hosts needed nine runs off three balls, Stokes hit the ball into the deep off Trent Boult and ran for a double. New Zealand's Martin Guptill threw the ball in an attempt to run out Stokes but the ball bounced off Stokes' bat and reached the boundary. As a result, England were awarded six runs - two for a double and four for an overthrow. It may be noted that eleven English cricketers have already been knighted for their services to cricket. Most recently, Sir Alastair Cook was knighted for his performance in both ODI and Test format.28-year-old Stokes had a difficult two years to deal with as he missed the 2017-18 Ashes over his involvement in a brawl in Bristol. The incident had left a man with facial injuries, but Stokes was later found not guilty of affray. England will next take on Australia in the Ashes starting August 1.

Ben Stokes likely to receive knighthood for World Cup final heroics

British foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt is the other candidate left in the race to replace Prime Minister Theresa May, alongside the fervent Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson who is odds-on favourite to win next month.

Hunt in final days of battle with Johnson to become UK

The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both said Friday they believe the EU will agree to a Brexit deal this year without the controversial "backstop" provision for the Irish border.

Ex-London mayor Boris Johnson, the favourite over foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt to replace outgoing premier Theresa May, predicted the European Union would instead negotiate the issue during post-Brexit free trade talks.

"We will get a deal by October 31st," Johnson told the BBC during highly-anticipated separate interviews with the leadership rivals, referring to the latest delayed deadline for Britain's departure from the bloc.

"They (the EU) need to take... the Irish backstop and they need basically to remit it, to remove it, to delete it," he added.

Johnson said it was "manifestly in the interests of both sides" to reach a new deal, noting "the EU has a very substantial net balance of trade with us".

"They will want to continue to see those goods flowing," he added.

European leaders have consistently insisted however that the backstop must remain in any withdrawal agreement.

It would keep open the post-Brexit border between British-ruled Northern Ireland and EU member the Republic of Ireland whatever the outcome of negotiations over the future relationship between London and Brussels.

But vehement opposition to the proposal from ardent pro-Brexit Tory MPs led them to repeatedly reject the divorce deal struck by May and European leaders, forcing her to step aside.

Conservative members are this month in the process of selecting a new party leader -- who will almost certainly become prime minister -- with the winner to be announced on July 23.

Johnson's rival Hunt reiterated in his half-hour BBC interview that he had received encouragement from European leaders that they would be willing to abandon the backstop to strike a new deal -- claims Berlin has previously pushed back on.

"Chancellor Merkel had said to me that if a new British prime minister came forward with a different plan for the Northern Irish border, of course, they would look at the package," he said.

However, Hunt refused to commit to Britain's departure from the EU by the end of the year, saying only that he "expects" the country will have left by then.

"Prime ministers should only make promises they know they can deliver," he added.

Meanwhile, outgoing leader May admitted in her own interview Friday that she had underestimated the "entrenched positions" in Parliament over Brexit.

She told the BBC she would leave Downing Street after three years in power with a mixture of pride and disappointment.

"I've always done what I believe to be in the national interest," May said.

The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both said Friday they believe the EU will agree to a Brexit deal this year without the controversial "backstop" provision for the Irish border.

The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both said Friday they believe the EU will agree to a Brexit deal this year without the controversial "backstop" provision for the Irish border. Ex-London mayor Boris Johnson, the favourite over foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt to replace outgoing premier Theresa May, predicted the European Union would instead negotiate the issue during post-Brexit free trade talks. "We will get a deal by October 31st," Johnson told the BBC during highly-anticipated separate interviews with the leadership rivals, referring to the latest delayed deadline for Britain's departure from the bloc. "They (the EU) need to take... the Irish backstop and they need basically to remit it, to remove it, to delete it," he added. Johnson said it was "manifestly in the interests of both sides" to reach a new deal, noting "the EU has a very substantial net balance of trade with us". "They will want to continue to see those goods flowing," he added. European leaders have consistently insisted however that the backstop must remain in any withdrawal agreement. It would keep open the post-Brexit border between British-ruled Northern Ireland and EU member the Republic of Ireland whatever the outcome of negotiations over the future relationship between London and Brussels. But vehement opposition to the proposal from ardent pro-Brexit Tory MPs led them to repeatedly reject the divorce deal struck by May and European leaders, forcing her to step aside. Conservative members are this month in the process of selecting a new party leader -- who will almost certainly become prime minister -- with the winner to be announced on July 23. Johnson's rival Hunt reiterated in his half-hour BBC interview that he had received encouragement from European leaders that they would be willing to abandon the backstop to strike a new deal -- claims Berlin has previously pushed back on. "Chancellor Merkel had said to me that if a new British prime minister came forward with a different plan for the Northern Irish border, of course, they would look at the package," he said. However, Hunt refused to commit to Britain's departure from the EU by the end of the year, saying only that he "expects" the country will have left by then. "Prime ministers should only make promises they know they can deliver," he added. Meanwhile, outgoing leader May admitted in her own interview Friday that she had underestimated the "entrenched positions" in Parliament over Brexit. She told the BBC she would leave Downing Street after three years in power with a mixture of pride and disappointment. "I've always done what I believe to be in the national interest," May said.

UK PM contenders say European Union will drop Irish backstop for Brexit deal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-race-for-no-10-uks-johnson-and-hunt-vow-to-splash-the-cash-231797">British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt</a> on Tuesday said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-seeks-to-override-supreme-court-ruling-on-census-233448">US President Donald Trump</a> was "disrespectful and wrong" in making disparaging remarks about outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May and her ambassador to Washington.

Hunt, who is vying with his predecessor Boris Johnson to replace May in Downing Street later this month, added that he would keep US ambassador Kim Darroch in place if he took office.

"@realDonaldTrump friends speak frankly so I will: these comments are disrespectful and wrong to our prime minister and my country," he tweeted.

"Your diplomats give their private opinions to @SecPompeo and so do ours! You said the UK/US alliance was the greatest in history and I agree.But allies need to treat each other with respect as @theresa_may has always done with you."

"Ambassadors are appointed by the UK government and if I become PM our ambassador stays."

He was responding to a broadside by Trump against both May's government and Darroch, triggered by the leak of unflattering diplomatic cables written by the British envoy.

Trump said Darroch was a "very stupid guy" and slammed outgoing May's "foolish" Brexit policies on Tuesday in a second straight day of virulent attacks.

The missives threaten to plunge Washington and London into an unprecedented diplomatic crisis.

Hunt is trailing Johnson in the contest to replace May as leader of their Conservative party and prime minister of Britain.

She is stepping down after failing to deliver Britain's exit from the European Union, three years after the 2016 referendum vote for Brexit.

Earlier, Johnson said he had a good relationship with the Trump White House and noted that he had criticized May's Brexit strategy.

"I have got a good relationship with the White House and I have no embarrassment in saying that," he told reporters.

"I think it's very important that we have a strong relationship with our most important ally.

"The United States is, has been, will be and for the foreseeable future our number one political-military friend."

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Tuesday said US President Donald Trump was "disrespectful and wrong" in making disparaging remarks about outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May and her ambassador to Washington.

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Tuesday said US President Donald Trump was "disrespectful and wrong" in making disparaging remarks about outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May and her ambassador to Washington. Hunt, who is vying with his predecessor Boris Johnson to replace May in Downing Street later this month, added that he would keep US ambassador Kim Darroch in place if he took office. "@realDonaldTrump friends speak frankly so I will: these comments are disrespectful and wrong to our prime minister and my country," he tweeted. "Your diplomats give their private opinions to @SecPompeo and so do ours! You said the UK/US alliance was the greatest in history and I agree.But allies need to treat each other with respect as @theresa_may has always done with you." "Ambassadors are appointed by the UK government and if I become PM our ambassador stays." He was responding to a broadside by Trump against both May's government and Darroch, triggered by the leak of unflattering diplomatic cables written by the British envoy. Trump said Darroch was a "very stupid guy" and slammed outgoing May's "foolish" Brexit policies on Tuesday in a second straight day of virulent attacks. The missives threaten to plunge Washington and London into an unprecedented diplomatic crisis. Hunt is trailing Johnson in the contest to replace May as leader of their Conservative party and prime minister of Britain. She is stepping down after failing to deliver Britain's exit from the European Union, three years after the 2016 referendum vote for Brexit. Earlier, Johnson said he had a good relationship with the Trump White House and noted that he had criticized May's Brexit strategy. "I have got a good relationship with the White House and I have no embarrassment in saying that," he told reporters. "I think it's very important that we have a strong relationship with our most important ally. "The United States is, has been, will be and for the foreseeable future our number one political-military friend."

Trump comments 'disrespectful and wrong': Jeremy Hunt

Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt clashed over who could be most trusted on Brexit on Tuesday. Watch this video to know more.

Boris Johnson, Jeremy Hunt face off for UK leadership

Britain's interior minister Sajid Javid will this week formally endorse <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-race-for-no-10-uks-johnson-and-hunt-vow-to-splash-the-cash-231797">Boris Johnson</a> to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and the country's next prime minister, the Sunday Times reported.

Johnson is the frontrunner in a contest with foreign minister Jeremy Hunt to be the next leader. Voting is due to close on July 22, with the winner set to be announced the following day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/genius-or-joker-british-prime-minister-favourite-boris-johnson-set-to-face-the-world-231110">Johnson has pledged</a> to leave the European Union with or without a deal on October&nbsp;31 if he becomes prime minister, while Hunt has said that he would, if absolutely necessary, go for a no-deal Brexit.

The Sunday Times said Javid has positioned himself to be Johnson's finance minister, taking over from current finance minister Philip Hammond.

It reported that in a speech on Tuesday, Javid will say: "Trust in our democracy will be at stake if we don't make October&nbsp;31 a 'deal or no deal' deadline. To prepare that, we are agreed on the need for ramped-up no-deal preparations, including a budget."

Watch:&nbsp;'I take personal responsibility for the vote to leave the EU', says Boris Johnson

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The newspaper also said that Johnson would visit the United States before the end of September to meet President Donald Trump.

Britain's interior minister Sajid Javid will this week formally endorse Boris Johnson to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and the country's next prime minister, the Sunday Times reported.

Britain's interior minister Sajid Javid will this week formally endorse Boris Johnson to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and the country's next prime minister, the Sunday Times reported. Johnson is the frontrunner in a contest with foreign minister Jeremy Hunt to be the next leader. Voting is due to close on July 22, with the winner set to be announced the following day. Johnson has pledged to leave the European Union with or without a deal on October 31 if he becomes prime minister, while Hunt has said that he would, if absolutely necessary, go for a no-deal Brexit. The Sunday Times said Javid has positioned himself to be Johnson's finance minister, taking over from current finance minister Philip Hammond. It reported that in a speech on Tuesday, Javid will say: "Trust in our democracy will be at stake if we don't make October 31 a 'deal or no deal' deadline. To prepare that, we are agreed on the need for ramped-up no-deal preparations, including a budget." Watch: 'I take personal responsibility for the vote to leave the EU', says Boris Johnson The newspaper also said that Johnson would visit the United States before the end of September to meet President Donald Trump.

UK interior minister Sajid Javid to endorse Boris Johnson as prime minister: Report

Some members of Britain's Conservative Party have been issued with more than one ballot paper to vote for the party's next leader, who will also become prime minister, the BBC reported on Saturday.

Ballot papers have been sent to about 160,000 Conservative Party members across the country, asking them to choose between frontrunner Boris Johnson, a former London mayor and foreign minister, and Jeremy Hunt, the current foreign minister.

Voting is due to close on July 22, with the winner set to be announced a day later.

The BBC said an investigation it had carried out found some party members had received two ballot papers, citing one party insider as estimating that more than 1,000 people could be affected.

It said that in some cases this was because members live and work in different constituencies and may have joined the local Conservative associations in both areas. Other members may have changed their name after marriage.

Party Chairman Brandon Lewis said on Twitter that -- as was the case in a general election -- people would only be able to vote once even if they had been sent more than one ballot paper.

Separately on Saturday, The Times newspaper reported that Johnson is backed by 74% of Conservative Party members with Hunt on 26%, according to a YouGov/Times poll. It said a fortnight ago the last YouGov survey gave almost identical figures.

Both candidates appeared at a campaign event in Nottingham, central England, on Saturday.

Johnson was asked about a Sky News report that said 30 Conservative lawmakers led by finance minister Philip Hammond were plotting to stop a no-deal Brexit in October.

"I'm a great admirer of Phil ... but I sat in the cabinet with him when we were all committed to getting ready for no-deal," he said.

"To the best of my knowledge the chancellor (finance minister) and every other member of the cabinet is still committed to that policy," he added.

Johnson has pledged to leave the European Union with or without a deal on Oct. 31 if he becomes prime minister, while Hunt has said he would, if absolutely necessary, go for a no-deal Brexit.

Last Monday a group of pro-EU lawmakers failed in their latest bid to prevent Britain leaving the bloc without an exit deal, after parliament's speaker did not choose their proposal to be put to a vote.

Some members of Britain's Conservative Party have been issued with more than one ballot paper to vote for the party's next leader, who will also become prime minister, the BBC reported on Saturday.

Some members of Britain's Conservative Party have been issued with more than one ballot paper to vote for the party's next leader, who will also become prime minister, the BBC reported on Saturday. Ballot papers have been sent to about 160,000 Conservative Party members across the country, asking them to choose between frontrunner Boris Johnson, a former London mayor and foreign minister, and Jeremy Hunt, the current foreign minister. Voting is due to close on July 22, with the winner set to be announced a day later. The BBC said an investigation it had carried out found some party members had received two ballot papers, citing one party insider as estimating that more than 1,000 people could be affected. It said that in some cases this was because members live and work in different constituencies and may have joined the local Conservative associations in both areas. Other members may have changed their name after marriage. Party Chairman Brandon Lewis said on Twitter that -- as was the case in a general election -- people would only be able to vote once even if they had been sent more than one ballot paper. Separately on Saturday, The Times newspaper reported that Johnson is backed by 74% of Conservative Party members with Hunt on 26%, according to a YouGov/Times poll. It said a fortnight ago the last YouGov survey gave almost identical figures. Both candidates appeared at a campaign event in Nottingham, central England, on Saturday. Johnson was asked about a Sky News report that said 30 Conservative lawmakers led by finance minister Philip Hammond were plotting to stop a no-deal Brexit in October. "I'm a great admirer of Phil ... but I sat in the cabinet with him when we were all committed to getting ready for no-deal," he said. "To the best of my knowledge the chancellor (finance minister) and every other member of the cabinet is still committed to that policy," he added. Johnson has pledged to leave the European Union with or without a deal on Oct. 31 if he becomes prime minister, while Hunt has said he would, if absolutely necessary, go for a no-deal Brexit. Last Monday a group of pro-EU lawmakers failed in their latest bid to prevent Britain leaving the bloc without an exit deal, after parliament's speaker did not choose their proposal to be put to a vote.

UK Conservative members sent more than one ballot in leadership vote: Report

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to become Britain's next prime minister, stumbled on Friday when asked if he had ever set his own self-interest aside in his career, saying he had sacrificed a bigger wage and finishing a book on Shakespeare. At a hustings event to try to win over members of the governing Conservative Party, who will ultimately choose the new prime minister later this month, Johnson was caught off guard when an interviewer asked him to detail when he had set aside his "own self-interest for the good of the country".

UK's Johnson says not true intelligence withheld from him as foreign minister

Conservative leadership candidate Boris Johnson said on Friday he took full responsibility for the role he played during the campaigning leading up to the 2016 referendum in which Britain voted to leave the European Union and for the political impasse that followed.

Boris Johnson: 'I take personal responsibility for the vote to leave the EU'

Britain's lead <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-all-alternative-brexit-options-206122">Brexit</a> negotiator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-mays-deal-or-long-brexit-delay-uks-chief-negotiator-overheard-saying-in-bar-197142">Olly Robbins</a> will leave his role in government shortly after briefing the new prime minister, The Sunday Times reported.

Robbins had been criticised by Brexiteers for helping negotiate Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-has-irrefutable-evidence-russia-behind-attack-on-skripal-theresa-may-to-putin-at-g20-231275">Theresa May</a>'s Brexit deal, which has been rejected by lawmakers.

Robbins is overdue a move and is prepared to stay and do a smooth handover, a source told Reuters.

In a further possible change, Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill is being lined up to become the new British ambassador in Washington under a Boris Johnson administration according to the Sunday Telegraph newspaper.

Former foreign minister Johnson and current foreign minister Jeremy Hunt are battling each other to succeed Theresa May as prime minister and finally deliver Brexit which has been delayed until Oct. 31.

Johnson, the frontrunner, has a transition team which is preparing to invite EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and the bloc's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier to London to reopen talks, according to the Mail on Sunday.

Former leadership contenders Matt Hancock and Sajid Javid are lobbying to become finance minister whilst Liz Truss is being lined up to be the next business minister and former Brexit minister Dominic Raab is being earmarked as transport minister, according to the newspaper.

Brexit minister Stephen Barclay is "increasingly safe" is in his role, the newspaper said.

Meanwhile, Hunt has suggested he would take a tough line on the 39-billion pound ($50 billion) Brexit bill owed to Brussels if there is a failure to agree the terms of Britain's exit from the bloc.

"If we leave without a deal, I will not hand over a penny more than is legally required of us," he told the Sunday Times newspaper.

He would also not agree to stay in a customs union with the EU and plans to abolish the Brexit ministry and hand over responsibility to the international trade ministry, according to the newspaper.

Britain's lead Brexit negotiator Olly Robbins will leave his role in government shortly after briefing the new prime minister, The Sunday Times reported. Robbins had been criticised by Brexiteers for helping negotiate Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal, which has been rejected by lawmakers.

Britain's lead Brexit negotiator Olly Robbins will leave his role in government shortly after briefing the new prime minister, The Sunday Times reported. Robbins had been criticised by Brexiteers for helping negotiate Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal, which has been rejected by lawmakers. Robbins is overdue a move and is prepared to stay and do a smooth handover, a source told Reuters. In a further possible change, Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill is being lined up to become the new British ambassador in Washington under a Boris Johnson administration according to the Sunday Telegraph newspaper. Former foreign minister Johnson and current foreign minister Jeremy Hunt are battling each other to succeed Theresa May as prime minister and finally deliver Brexit which has been delayed until Oct. 31. Johnson, the frontrunner, has a transition team which is preparing to invite EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and the bloc's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier to London to reopen talks, according to the Mail on Sunday. Former leadership contenders Matt Hancock and Sajid Javid are lobbying to become finance minister whilst Liz Truss is being lined up to be the next business minister and former Brexit minister Dominic Raab is being earmarked as transport minister, according to the newspaper. Brexit minister Stephen Barclay is "increasingly safe" is in his role, the newspaper said. Meanwhile, Hunt has suggested he would take a tough line on the 39-billion pound ($50 billion) Brexit bill owed to Brussels if there is a failure to agree the terms of Britain's exit from the bloc. "If we leave without a deal, I will not hand over a penny more than is legally required of us," he told the Sunday Times newspaper. He would also not agree to stay in a customs union with the EU and plans to abolish the Brexit ministry and hand over responsibility to the international trade ministry, according to the newspaper.

United Kingdom Brexit negotiator Olly Robbins to leave role: Report

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