Challenges remain for British PM despite landslide win

Businesses are hoping that an orderly Brexit in January will give ministers the bandwidth to address longer-term challenges, from domestic problems such as housing and skills, to the future shape of immigration policy and the extent of regulatory alignment with the EU, added the FT.

Tim Pitt, a former Treasury special adviser, said on Twitter that the electoral fortunes of the Conservatives were now tied to votes in working-class areas that had been opposed to the economics of former Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

The Times, meanwhile, said the new seats won by Johnson, and the MPs representing those places, will be pressing for higher social spending to deal with urgent social problems.

In his first major speech on Friday after his victory, Johnson thanked the thousands of people who voted Conservative.

"I say thank you for the trust you have placed in us, and in me. We will work round the clock to repay your trust and to deliver on your priorities with a parliament that works for you," said Johnson.

Every corner of Britain will be watching and waiting to see if he delivers his promises and rises to the challenges.