Boris Johnson has been elected new Conservative leader in a ballot of party members and will become the next UK prime minister.
He beat Jeremy Hunt comfortably, winning 92,153 votes to his rival's 46,656.The former London mayor takes over from Theresa May on Wednesday.
In his victory speech, Mr Johnson promised he would "deliver Brexit, unite the country and defeat Jeremy Corbyn".
However, the industry urged him to focus on the key priorities and challenging him as he takes up residence at 10 Downing Street.
RIBA CEO, Alan Vallance, said: “Boris Johnson has a mammoth task on his hands as soon as he enters No.10.
"Brexit, climate change and ensuring the UK has a safer, high-quality built environment must be priorities.
"The global climate emergency is the greatest challenge the world has ever faced. With 40% of carbon emissions generated from the built environment, the PM must recognise how vital our profession is to ensure the UK meets the net zero target.
"The unacceptable delay to reforming building and fire safety regulations since the Grenfell Tower tragedy must be urgently addressed. The PM must strengthen and expand requirements to ensure all our buildings are safe.
"Whether the UK should leave the EU without a withdrawal agreement has dominated this leadership contest. No deal would have disastrous consequences for UK architecture, risking access to talent and our ability to trade.
"We will engage with the new Prime Minister and his government immediately, ensuring the voice of architects is heard loud and clear.”
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said: “Boris the builder must build columns instead of writing them if he is to fix the housing crisis and restore the hope of home ownership to a generation.
"We will only reach the number of good quality homes we need, and at the rate we need them, if local house builders are freed up to build as many homes as the large house builders. We want to see Boris bring down the barriers facing construction SMEs, including those who repair and maintain our homes.
"If Boris is looking to cut taxes, then we suggest slashing VAT on home improvement works, as nine in ten builders believe this is the single best tool in Boris the builder’s toolkit to prevent an economic downturn post-Brexit. Bojo must restore the housing market’s mojo to ensure that Brexit Britain is built on strong foundations.”
Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI
Director-General, congratulated Mr Johnson and urged the new PM to work with
businesses to get the economy back on track.
“Business needs three
things in the first 100 days," she added. "A Brexit deal that unlocks
confidence; clear signals the UK is open for business; and a truly
pro-enterprise vision for our country.
“On Brexit, the new
Prime Minister must not underestimate the benefits of a good deal. It will
unlock new investment and confidence in factories and boardrooms across the
country. Business will back you across Europe to help get there.
“Early signals back
home also matter. From a new immigration system to green-lighting major
infrastructure, there is no time to waste.”
Dr Adam Marshall,
Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “The need for
a new Prime Minister to get down to business has never been greater.
“Boris Johnson’s
first job upon arrival in Downing Street must be to go beyond warm words and
take immediate, tangible steps to boost the confidence of UK businesses and
consumers.
“He must demonstrate
he will go all-out to avoid a messy and disorderly Brexit on the 31st of October, which would be hugely
damaging and disruptive for many businesses and communities.
“Boris Johnson must
move swiftly and decisively to tackle some of the longstanding domestic issues
holding businesses back here at home.
“Many of the things
businesses have been calling out for can be implemented at speed, and would
send the strongest possible signals to companies and investors grappling with
ongoing uncertainty and change.
“The women and men
who create prosperity and opportunity in our communities need an incoming Prime
Minister and government to demonstrate their unequivocal backing for enterprise
and growth.”
Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the LGA, welcomed confirmation on Mr Johnson's win and urged him to work closely with local authorities moving forward.
“Councils are uniquely placed to support and build strong communities, lead the delivery of joined up services that can help to change lives for the better and build strong local economies that support your national economic priorities," he said.
“From building more homes and supporting families, giving young people the best start in life through to supporting people through older life and ensuring we have a skilled workforce that supports UK businesses to compete on the global stage, councils are key to delivering his priorities.
“Through devolution, councils can empower their communities and at the same time, ensure funding is used efficiently to deliver real change. This is the perfect opportunity to bring central and local government closer together to realise the opportunities devolution can offer.
“The next Queen’s Speech is a real opportunity for change by including new English Devolution and Local Government Finance Bills.
“With the right funding and powers underpinned by local accountability and sector led improvement, councils can continue to lead local areas, improve residents’ lives, reduce demand for public services and save money for the taxpayer.”
