Boris Johnson has pledged to use his 80-seat majority to “heal” Britain once he has brought “closure” to the Brexit turmoil of the past three years.

Signalling a distinct shift towards the centre ground, the Prime Minister made unity the theme of a muted victory speech in Downing Street, promising to repay the trust of all those who had voted Tory for the first time.

He promised 2020 would be a year of “prosperity, growth and hope” on Friday and signed off by saying: “Thank you all very much, and Happy Christmas.”

Mr Johnson’s victory provided an immediate jolt to the economy, with the FTSE 250 index hitting a record high as the value of businesses in the FTSE 350 increased by £33 billion.

The pound had one of its best days on record as it soared by almost 3 per cent within minutes of Thursday night’s exit polls, and the Bank of England believes Mr Johnson’s win will unlock £400 billion of investment that companies have been holding back.