Southend Airport bosses have congratulated Boris Johnson for his new role as Conservative leader, reminding him of their ambition to become London's next big airport.

This follows the news that Boris Johnson pipped Jeremy Hunt to the post, with Hunt winning 46,656 votes and Johnson winning 92,153 votes.

Glyn Jones, Stobart Aviation CEO, said: “We would like to congratulate Boris Johnson on his election as Conservative Party leader.

"It is important that as the next Prime Minister he backs the UK aviation industry during his time in number ten.

"We will continue to make the case to the government and other stakeholders that London Southend Airport, London’s next big airport, can help solve the capital’s airport capacity crunch.

"As such, I would be delighted to extend an open-ended invitation to Mr Johnson, his aides and ministers to London Southend Airport so they can see our ambitious plans in action.”

Tomorrow, Theresa May will offer her resignation as Prime Minister. Mr Johnson will then have his own audience with the Queen to be offered the chance to form her new government before entering Downing Street.