Boris Johnson tonight claimed the UK was ready to “start a new chapter in the history of our country” – as he toasted the New Year from his £20,000-a-week private island getaway.
The Prime Minister, 55, is on holiday with girlfriend Carrie Symonds, 31, on the Caribbean isle of Mustique – 4,000 miles from the UK.
Issuing the PM’s traditional New Year message from his paradise bolthole, he told Brexit-weary Brits: “That distinctive sound you may have heard at midnight as the bongs of Big Ben faded away was not the popping of champagne corks or the crackle of fireworks from your neighbour’s garden.
“Rather it was the starting gun being fired on what promises to be a fantastic year and a remarkable decade for our United Kingdom.
“As we say goodbye to 2019 we can also turn the page on the division, rancour and uncertainty which has dominated public life and held us back for far too long.
“We can start a new chapter in the history of our country, in which we come together and move forward united, unleashing the enormous potential of the British people.”
He also directly addressed traditional Labour voters who abandoned Jeremy Corbyn’s party at the ballot box last month – and those who did not back the Conservatives.
(Image: MustiqueIsland.com)
Brexit campaign figurehead Mr Johnson added: “I know that many of you do not consider yourself natural Tories and may only have lent me your vote.
“I am humbled by your support and will work every day to keep it.
“I am also acutely aware that there are millions of people who did not vote for me and were disappointed by the result.
“If you are one of them, I want to reassure you that I will be a Prime Minister for everyone, not just those who voted for me.”
He added: “I know that you love this country no less, simply because you voted for another party or wanted to Remain.
“More than that, I want to work with you, as friends and equals, as we build the future this United Kingdom deserves.”
