Oxford Conservative Association (OCA) welcomes the election today of Boris Johnson as the new leader of the Conservative Party and our next Prime Minister.

Mr Johnson was elected by an overwhelming majority of Conservative members.

OCA Chairman Daniel Stafford said “I am greatly encouraged that the party has given a strong and clear mandate after a contest which has shown us more united than divided. Oxford Conservatives look forward with confidence to Mr Johnson and his team delivering the mandate the country gave us in 2016 and 2017 and delivering the referendum fully as directed. Significant numbers of Oxford’s residents voted to leave the EU, and many who voted remain, accept that we need to end the current uncertainty. We call for all Conservative MPs to unite and work with Mr Johnson to deliver on the democratic will of the British people and deliver our manifesto pledge to leave the European Union.

We also look forward to the new Conservative administration rolling out measures to create a fairer Britain for everyone. In particular it is not right that Oxford’s residents suffer an appalling cost of living through a lack of affordable homes, nor is it right that many communities are trapped in long-term poverty.

We are pleased that Mr Johnson has such close links with Oxford University and Oxfordshire generally. His positive message will surely resonate much better with the people of Oxford than the doom and gloom of Labour and the Lib Dems.

“Finally Oxford Conservatives  thanks outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May for her many years of service to the party, and to the nation. As Prime Minister and also as Home Secretary, she served with diligence and a firm commitment to public duty and we wish her well for the future.”