Hedge Fund Execs Support Boris Johnson As Next PM - Reports

Johnson has received the lion's share of donations in his bid for leadership, the result of which is set to be announced on 23 July, with several backers having been financial supporters of the 2016 referendum's Leave campaign, according to the FT.

The donations, which are primarily from hedge fund managers, come despite past remarks from Johnson who reportedly said "f*** business" in response to questions on the post Brexit future for UK companies.

Partner at metals hedge fund RK Capital David Lilley, who previously donated £100,000 to the Leave campaign, has given £15,000 to Johnson, the MP's register of financial interests reveals.

Jon Wood, founder of SRM Global, has donated £75,000 worth of funding, while Johan Christofferson, founder of Christofferson, Robb and Co, has donated £36,000.

Elsewhere, Johnson has drawn funding from managing partner at Melbury Capital Jamie Reuben, who donated £50,000, and Alex Wilmot-Sitwell, a partner at the boutique investment bank Perella Weinberg, donated £5,000.

Meanwhile, Montanaro Investment Managers chief Charles Montanaro has donated £8,000.

Explaining his support, Montanaro told the FT: "I was happy to make the contribution in my personal capacity to Boris Johnson's campaign because, after careful consideration, I am convinced that he is the best person to negotiate and deliver Brexit.

"He has a compelling and optimistic vision for the UK that I share. I believe that our country is bursting with talent and creativity that has the potential to thrive alongside Europe rather than solely within it."

Meanwhile, despite lower levels of support, Hunt has managed to attract donations from Peter Wilson's Moulsford Capital, which provided office space worth £8,945, while Andrew Law of Caxton Associates pledged £10,000, having previously given £200,000 to the Remain campaign.

Wilson, who has known Hunt for 30 years, told the FT that he admired the candidate's "values, work ethic, professionalism, and most importantly believed that in an increasingly competitive global economy the UK needed leadership with an entrepreneurial background and an understanding of the important role business plays in creating jobs and wealth for our society".

Meanwhile, chief executive of BNY Mellon boutique Alcentra David Forbes-Nixon, who is also a personal friend of Hunt, donated £10,000.

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Finally, emerging markets specialist Mohamed Amersi has donated £10,000 each to Johnson and Hunt, having previously committed similar amounts to earlier contenders Rory Stewart and Michael Gove.

Amersi said: "I decided that whoever came to my door with a smile and a compelling story to tell I would give my support to.

"I want whoever wins to unite the country, first and foremost.

"In terms of offering stability and ideas, Jeremy has the edge. In terms of charisma, it's probably Boris."