The soured relationship between the Government and business needs a reset.

That is the view of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce chief executive Rob Johnston as frustration continues to grow among business leaders across the UK over the Government’s handling of Brexit and economic uncertainty it is creating.

Yesterday, the British Chambers of Commerce downgraded its Gross Domestic Product growth forecasts for 2020 and 2021 due to the wind down of Brexit-fuelled stockpiling.

And business emerged at the centre of the Conservative leadership contest as front-runner, Boris Johnson looked to repair damage caused by his “f business” comment made as Mayor of London by charming key figures in The City.

Mr Johnston said the relation between Government, and politicians, in general with business had become strained after three years of uncertainty over Britain’s trading relationship with the European Union following the public’s vote to leave in 2016.

Businesses are now increasingly looking at the new Conservative leader, and Prime Minister, to build bridges.

“The relationship will need a reset,” he told in-Cumbria.

“Whoever comes in has got to repair the damage done between the Government and business and the economy.

“And they will have to reposition the Conservatives as a supporter of business and the entrepreneur – and do it quickly. 

“At the end of the day business creates wealth and jobs – its supports the economy. Its taxes go towards supporting health and education, for example. It is pointless to say it won’t have an impact, if that money is taken out of the system.

“Whether the Prime Minister is an interim or long-term, they have to be business friendly. There is so much to do, in terms of skills and productivity.”

And Mr Johnston said that he had, so far been unimpressed, by what leaderships hopefuls had had to say on a leadership dominated by the Brexit issue.

“Nothing being said by any of the candidates is giving business and comfort,” he said.

“It seems to be a battle of who says they have the best negotiating skills. But the fundamentals are not going to change – the Irish Backstop, for example.

“I understand it is emotive, but the debate has to be more sophisticated. We’re going to need a lot of recovery when we get out of this.”

The Conservative leadership contest will be narrowed down following a vote on Tuesday afternoon, with the survivors due to appear on the BBC shortly afterwards in a much-anticipated debate.

Penrith and Borders MP, Rory Stewart is one of the favourites to rival favourite Boris Johnson, who, if one of the two left standing, is due to appear on the televised debate after ducking one held on Sunday.