UK looks to climate action with Australia’s new prime minister

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday congratulated Anthony Albanese on his election as Australia's new leader, vowing to work together on trade, military ties and climate change.

"Our countries have a long history and a bright future together," Johnson said in a message to the Labor party leader, according to Downing Street.

Johnson shares a centre-right ideology with Australia's defeated leader Scott Morrison, and their conservative parties have looked to the same electoral strategists for advice.

But the pair differed on climate change, a defining issue of the Australian election.

"As thriving likeminded democracies we work every day to make the world a better, safer, greener and more prosperous place," Johnson told the incoming Australian prime minister Albanese.