THE hardships faced by the people of St Helens over the past decade will only get worse under Boris Johnson, one of the borough’s MPs has warned.
The former Mayor of London breezed to victory in the Conservative leadership contest, defeating Jeremy Hunt in the ballot of Tory members.
Mr Johnson secured 92,153 votes, compared to 46,656 for his Tory rival.
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He will be appointed as Prime Minister on Wednesday by the Queen after Theresa May formally resigns from office.
Mr Johnson, who served under Mrs May as former foreign secretary before resigning over her Brexit plans, will now set about organising his cabinet.
Prior to the result being announced, cabinet ministers Philip Hammond, David Gauke and Rory Stewart all said they would resign if Mr Johnson won the contest due to his hard-line stance on Brexit.
Following the result, St Helens North Labour MP, Conor McGinn, said it is a “bad and embarrassing day for Britain”.
He warned that a no-deal Brexit would be “catastrophic” for the local and national economy.
Conor McGinn, Labour MP for St Helens North
“This is a bad and embarrassing day for Britain,” Mr McGinn said.
“And rather than things getting better for people in St Helens after the nine years of Tory austerity, they will only get worse under Boris Johnson.
“His pursuit of the hardest possible Brexit will lead to us crashing out with no-deal, which would be catastrophic for our local and national economy.”
In his victory speech, Mr Johnson promised he would deliver Brexit and "energise the country".
"We are going to get Brexit done on 31 October and take advantage of all the opportunities it will bring with a new spirit of can do," said.
"We are once again going to believe in ourselves, and like some slumbering giant we are going to rise and ping off the guy ropes of self doubt and negativity."
Marie Rimmer, Labour MP for St Helens South and Whiston
Mr McGinn’s comments were echoed by Marie Rimmer, Labour MP for St Helens South and Whiston.
“Today is a very dark day,” Ms Rimmer said.
“We have had a leader foisted upon this country, who I truly believe will continue to place self and party, above country and community.”
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