'Take bold action!' Boris weighs in on Tory leadership race as ex-PM puts pressure on hopefuls to 'finish job'

The former Prime Minister said: “Protecting our environment has consistently been a priority for the British people.

“Whether it is investing in homegrown offshore wind and nuclear to create green jobs across the country, or incentivising our farmers to restore nature, successive Conservative governments have taken bold environmental action and built an impressive record.

“Continued conservative environmental leadership is critical for our party’s electoral prospects and the environmental cause.

“Unlike the left, we know that it is only through unleashing private enterprise and driving innovation that we will finish the job of reaching net zero.

“We must avoid a costly, hair-shirt approach to the environment that alienates the public and undermines support for going green.

“Conservatives should champion our environmental achievements and put forward a positive plan to finish the job of cutting emissions while delivering more jobs and growth across the UK.”

• Reform UK set out ‘immediate focus’ as big test just months away
• Suella Braverman withdraws from Tory leadership race in stunning exit as she takes parting shot at 'traumatised' party
• Tugendhat blasted as ECHR U-turn exposed by GB News - 'He's always been woolly!'

Johnson was joined by fellow former Tory leaders Lord Hague and Lord Howard.

The trio were united in calls for the next Conservative leader not to abandon or weaken any commitment to environmental policies.

Johnson’s remarks coincide with the launch of the Conservative Environment Network’s manifesto for environmentalism.

The group put forward 90 policies, including reducing curtailment costs and strengthening post-Brexit tax breaks for free ports.

Tories were accused of watering down green policies ahead of the 2024 General Election, with Lord Goldsmith quitting in protest.

Sunak pushed back the Government’s deadline for ending sales of new petrol and diesel cars.

He also controversially delayed the phasing out of gas boilers.

Kemi Badenoch and Priti Patel have both stepped away from Conservative climate commitments, with the former Home Secretary describing targets as “goals, not straitjackets”.

However, Johnson’s intervention also comes after the former Prime Minister joined Sunak on the campaign trail.

Speaking to GB News this morning, a former No10 aide told GB News: “Boris' campaign appearance showed why Tories needed him and I imagine most MPs will now always regret getting rid of him.”