Angela Merkel leads European leaders in congratulating Boris Johnson on election victory as Brexit looms

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was among European leaders to congratulate Boris Johnson on his election victory today, adding she looks forward to working with him closely.

It comes after the Conservative Party won the election with a resounding majority, the largest since Margaret Thatcher led the party in the 1987 general election.

The only seat that remains to be counted is St Ives, which is expected to be a narrow contest between the Lib Dems and the Tories.

Party leader Boris Johnson has promised to “get Brexit done” by January 31 “no ifs, no buts”.

He is now expected to use his majority to bring the UK out of the European Union next month.

Ms Merkel said: “Congratulations, Boris Johnson, on your resounding victory. I look forward to working with you for the friendship and strong cooperation between our nations.”

Charles Michel, the newly elected European Council president, was also among those to congratulate Mr Johnson.

Mr Michel tweeted: “I would like to congratulate @BorisJohnson on his victory. 

“We expect a vote on the withdrawal agreement as soon as possible. #EU is ready for the next phase. 

“We will negotiate a future trade deal which ensures a true level playing field.”

Irish Tánaiste Simon Coveney also offered his congratulations to Mr Johnson, adding that now was the time to end the parliamentary deadlock in Northern Ireland.

He tweeted: “Congratulations to @BorisJohnson on his victory in the UK General Election.

“The Irish government and my department now stand ready to seize the moment and focus on getting #Stormont up and running for all the people and parties in Northern Ireland.”

The European Parliament’s Brexit co-ordinator Guy Verhofstadt tweeted that the British people have now confirmed the referendum decision of 2016.

He wrote: “Brexit will now happen. The British people have confirmed their referendum decision of 2016.

“The EU must now focus on building a new close, fair and lasting partnership with Britain. It is in our common interest.”

This story is being updated…