'Johnson needs to do his homework'

Boris Johnson can succeed as foreign secretary if he "mugs up" and "knuckles down", says a former top British diplomat.

Sir Peter Ricketts, who was both UK ambassador in Paris and the top civil servant in the Foreign Office, said overseas diplomats would want to see Mr Johnson adapt his showmanship to the disciplines of the job.

(Photo: Boris Johnson addressing Foreign Office staff on Thursday. Credit: Getty Images)