MPs in the borough have reacted to the news that Boris Johnson has won the Tory leadership contest, making him the new prime minister.

Independent MP for Ilford South Mikes Gapes said the announcement makes him "fear for the future of our country".

He said: "I don't believe this man is fit to be prime minister.

"I have questioned 12 foreign secretaries over my 27 years as a Member of Parliament and he was by far the worst.

"He doesn't give details, he said things that were undiplomatic and offensive to other countries.

Ilford Recorder: Boris Johnson came to Gants Hill before the general elections. Picture: Isabel InfantesBoris Johnson came to Gants Hill before the general elections. Picture: Isabel Infantes (Image: Archant)

"We are not appointing a clown, we are meant to be appointing a prime minister.

"I am really worried that if he does pursue his intentions of leaving the European Union with a no-deal it will be economically and politically damaging to the country - I will do what I can to stop that."

Labour MP for Ilford North Wes Streeting shared his concerns about Mr Johnson leading Brexit.

"Our new prime minister has no mandate for no deal," he said.

Ilford Recorder: Boris Johnson on a visit to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Picture: Ellie Hoskins.Boris Johnson on a visit to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Picture: Ellie Hoskins. (Image: Archant)

"He must bring his Brexit plan to Parliament this week for approval and should ensure that any deal - or no deal - is subject to a public vote with the option to remain."

Mr Johnson was elected to be the leader of the Conservatives in a party members ballot.

He comfortably beat rival Jeremy Hunt with 92,153 votes to 46,656.

The former London mayor will take over from current prime minister Theresa May on Wednesday, July 24.

Ilford Recorder: Mayor of London Boris Johnson in the zip line at BT London Live Victoria park. Picture: Isabel InfantesMayor of London Boris Johnson in the zip line at BT London Live Victoria park. Picture: Isabel Infantes (Image: Archant)

Speaking after the votes were declared Mr Johnson said: "We are going to energise the country.

"We are going to get Brexit done on October 31 and take advantage of all the opportunities it will bring with a new spirit of can do.

"We are once again going to believe in ourselves, and like some slumbering giant we are going to rise and ping off the guy ropes of self-doubt and negativity."

He also thanked Mrs May and said it was a privilege to serve in her cabinet.

Conservative MP for Chingford and Woodford Green Iain Duncan Smith tweeted out his congratulations.

"I'm pleased this result was so emphatic," it read.

"With over 50per cent of the MPs and 66pc of the membership, Boris can now focus on delivering Brexit by the 31st Oct, uniting the UK to focus on domestic issues and in time defeat the Marxist beliefs of Jeremy Corbyn."

He later sent a statement which said: "Three years of protracted negotiations with the European Union have undermined faith in our politics, generated the Brexit Party and brought Jeremy Corbyn closer than ever to Number 10. It could have been so very different with an administration that recognised the benefits and opportunities that exist outside the EU. The Conservative Party was elected to deliver Brexit - we have one last chance to put this right.

"Leaving the EU by October 31 will help restore trust in the Conservatives and allow us to embark on a bold domestic agenda.

"Boris Johnson has given a clear commitment to delivering Brexit by October 31 on top of outlining inspiring visions for reforming tax and improving education."

Greater London Authority (GLA) member for Havering and Redbridge, Keith Prince said he was "delighted" that Boris Johnson became the new prime minister.

"Having worked with him when I was leader in Redbridge Council and at City Hall I know he will do a fantastic job and leave the EU," he said.

"Onwards, upwards and out".

Cllr Linda Hugget, Redbridge Conservative Group leader said: "I am delighted that Boris is the new Leader of the Conservative party and would say "Hey Dude" to our new Prime Minister.

"I believe that the Conservative party should now get behind him as Boris has the energy,determination and drive to break the brexit deadlock and ensure that the UK becomes the Great Britain that it is with a brighter future, strong economy and more say over our own country's constitution and legislation."

Ben Habib, Brexit Party MEP for the London region, said: "Boris Johnson's mood changes with the wind.

"He voted Leave, but he also voted for the Withdrawal Agreement, which could have effectively locked us into the EU forever.

"The incoming prime minister has now made the sort of promises made by Mrs May when she first entered Number 10.

"To deliver on these pledges, Johnson must either come up with a brand-new deal with Brussels (unlikely) or get out on WTO terms by 31 October.

"For the avoidance of doubt, simply doing away with the ridiculous Irish border backstop proposal will not be sufficient.

"If the new Tory leader fails to deliver - and the electorate will be watching closely - there will be a general election and the Brexit Party will take over where Johnson left off. It will be the death knell of the Conservative Party."