UK

Mixed reaction to victory of 'Mr Marmite' Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson has become a 'marmite' figure in British politics and beyond. 

The reaction to his winning of the Tory leadership contest was no different. 

The DUP welcomed the announcement that Mr Johnson will become the next prime minister, while the SDLP voiced concern at the potential implications for Brexit.

Arlene Foster's party has been involved in a supply and confidence deal with the Conservative Party since the 2017 general election.

DUP leader Arlene Foster:

DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds: 

Ans there were some scathing responses:  

Former Tory MP Heidi Allen, now an independent, tweeted in response to Mr Johnson's victory: 

Liberal Democrat MP Chuka Umunna tweeted: 

Labour MP for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford Yvette Cooper tweeted: 

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood described it as a "worrying step toward a hard no-deal Brexit and a hard border in Ireland".

"Johnson has coasted into Downing street on a wave of Brexit bluff and bluster," Mr Eastwood said.

"It won't be long until he crashes into the rocky reality that the European Union will not sacrifice the interests of Ireland to appease a man who has lied and slandered its institutions in an effort to secure power.

"All parties in the North must now set our combined efforts to resisting the impulse of this administration to drive off the Brexit cliff edge."

Alliance leader Naomi Long said the UK needs a "statesman, not a showman".

"Everyone will have their own opinion on Boris Johnson and his career to date," she said.

"However, it is now vital as he takes up the reins as prime minister, he demonstrates a level of leadership and seriousness which has been lacking to date.

"At such a critical juncture, we need someone who is detail focused and sensitive to the complexity of the challenges ahead.

"In short, we need a statesman, not a showman."

Ulster Unionist Party leader Robin Swann congratulated Mr Johnson, but warned the job of prime minister comes with "enormous responsibilities", at what he described as "such a critical time in the history of the United Kingdom".

"The bottom line for the prime minister is that any decisions he takes must be in the best interests of all of the United Kingdom and that includes doing everything possible to avoid a no-deal Brexit," he said.

Meanwhile, the head of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland has urged Mr Johnson to take a "keen and personal interest" in the ongoing political talks to restore devolved government at Stormont.

Numerous rounds of talks since the collapse of the Assembly in January 2017 have failed to reach agreement.

Dr William Henry has written to Mr Johnson asking him to "actively encourage those involved to go the extra mile".

"The absence of devolved government continues to affect the lives of many of the most vulnerable and marginalised people in our society," Dr Henry said.

"Courageous and compassionate leadership is required to both consolidate, and build upon, the progress already made during the inter-party talks."