Defeated Hunt congratulates Boris Johnson

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has congratulated rival Boris Johnson on winning a leadership run-off to succeed Prime Minister Theresa May as head of the ruling Conservatives.

"Congratulations @BorisJohnson 4 a campaign well-fought," tweeted Hunt, who is not expected to remain in his ministerial post when Johnson announces his new cabinet from late Wednesday.

"You'll be a great PM for our country at this critical moment!" Hunt added.

"Throughout campaign you showed optimism, energy & unbounded confidence in our wonderful country & we need that," he said. "All best wishes from the entrepreneur."