Boris Johnson has compared Jeremy Corbyn to Stalin over his “hatred” of wealth creators as he says the Tories will “cheer, not sneer” entrepreneurs if they are returned to power.

The Prime Minister says that the Labour leader demonises billionaires with a “relish and a vindictiveness” not seen since the former Soviet leader persecuted landowners in the 1930s.

Writing in The Telegraph as he officially launches the Conservatives’ general election campaign, Mr Johnson says Brexit will unlock “hundreds of billions” of investment into the UK, but Labour would deliver nothing but further delay which would “hold the country back”.

He also sets out the domestic priorities that will be at the heart of the Tory manifesto, such as closing the “opportunity gap” by making sure every child has the same chance to make the most of their talents.

The NHS, education and policing will loom large in the Tory campaign, as Mr Johnson promises to build 40 new hospitals, increase funding for every school and make the streets safer with more beat bobbies and a greater use of stop and search.