BREAKING NEWS

Trump on Boris Johnson: Would make a 'very good' UK Prime Minister

LONDON - Former British foreign minister and Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson would make a "very good" next UK prime minister, US President Donald Trump said, intervening in the Conservative Party's leadership contest ahead of a state visit next week.

"I think Boris would do a very good job. I think he would be excellent," Trump told the Sun newspaper.

Trump said a number of Conservative lawmakers had sought his endorsement - though not environment minister Michael Gove, who had criticised his stance on Iran - and that he appreciated foreign minister Jeremy Hunt's pledge to spend more on defence.

"Yup. Like him," Trump said when asked about Hunt.