Would Boris make a good prime minister? Here's what business leaders think

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Former London mayor Boris Johnson is the bookies’ favourite to be Britain’s next prime minister.

In his Daily Telegraph column yesterday, he set out his vision for Britain after Brexit.

He wrote: “I cannot stress too much that Britain is part of Europe, and always will be.

“There will still be intense and intensifying European co-operation and partnership in a huge number of fields: the arts, the sciences, the universities, and on improving the environment.

“EU citizens living in this country will have their rights fully protected, and the same goes for British citizens living in the EU.

“British people will still be able to go and work in the EU; to live; to travel; to study; to buy homes and to settle down. As the German equivalent of the CBI – the BDI – has very sensibly reminded us, there will continue to be free trade, and access to the single market.”

But can Boris make a good PM? Here’s what business leaders have to say:

“He’s another “toff” but I’d enjoy watching him in power”

Jon Moulton, founder & chairman, Better Capital:

“Boris will speak his mind more often than David, That is his strength and weakness!

“He is popular as an eccentric but he is another “toff” and his electability will suffer from that.

“Frankly I’d enjoy watching Boris in power – it certainly would not be dull.”

 

“Boris’ buffoon image is actually a sign of real personality”

Tony Goodwin, group CEO & chairman, Antal International & Antal International Network:

“Boris Johnson has many qualities that deem him capable of running the country but also has some image issues he needs to clear up.

“Boris, I feel, tends to tell it like it is and is often quite specific and clear. Obviously he has his own Conservative agenda but I do believe he is honest and has integrity. He sometimes makes mistakes and is ready to admit it when he does, which is another redeeming quality.

“I also believe that the ‘buffoon’ image that his detractors like to play upon is actually a sign that he has real personality, character and charisma. He has the intellectual confidence and self-assurance to be able to demonstrate and use his own personality in many different situations rather than acting as a robotic politician.

“Boris Johnson has what it takes to be a great leader, I just wonder whether or not the majority of the voters can actually see beyond the issues his detractors try to peddle as the reasons he shouldn’t be in the number one job.”

 

“He appears a shambolic mess sometimes but he is a razor-sharp politician”

Dr Stephen Fear, founder and chairman, Fear Group:

“Boris sometimes appears a shambolic mess but he is far from that, inside that rather dishevelled appearance lurks a very serious politician with a razor-sharp mind, who is capable of achieving great things.”

 

“Britain would prosper under Boris’ leadership”

Hugh Chappell, serial entrepreneur, advisor and investor:

“Boris Johnson would make an excellent leader for the Conservative party.  London has prospered under his leadership and I believe our country as a whole will too.”