Brexit requires new breed of leadership

Although he was once something of a Eurosceptic himself, he also wanted to end the Tories’ decades-long bickering over Britain’s sometimes troubled relationship with the EU.

Does all of that constitute leadership, or political tactics and opportunism? Or is one intrinsically linked to the other in politics? It’s doubtful you could call it strategy.

Earlier today, Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat leader and a passionate Remainer, expressed anger at the result of the referendum. He outlined what he saw as the UK’s impending economic demise.

It is understandable that he should be upset about the result, when his party had fought hard for the other side.

But talking about doomsday scenarios will not move the story forward from here. The nation needs leaders to sound and behave as if they’re ready to overcome whatever the future throws at them and us.

The British spirit of pluck in times of deep uncertainty has become legendary. The UK’s ability to produce highly creative entrepreneurs, inventors and disruptive thinkers has earned kudos the world over.

It’s high time those qualities were embodied in and projected by the nation’s leaders.