BORIS JOHNSON has reiterated his desire for cricketer Ben Stokes to be recognised for his Ashes heroics, saying he is sure the honours committee will take the “appropriate decision”.

The Prime Minister previously announced his support for the 28-year-old receiving a knighthood following England’s world cup victory in July.

Commenting during the Tory leadership campaign, Mr Johnson said: “I will give dukedoms, whatever – I will go to the maximum, to, what, the Garter King of Arms. Yes is the answer, absolutely.”

And he repeated his desire to see the Durham all-rounder recognised for his achievements.

He told a press conference at the G7 summit in Biarritz: “I think I’ve already promised that Ben Stokes should get a dukedom, I can’t go any higher than that.

“Clearly it’s not a matter for me but for some honours committee or other and I’m sure they’ll take the appropriate decision in due course.”

Earlier, Mr Johnson said he was congratulated by Australian counterpart Scott Morrison for England’s historic victory.

But he was quick to point out there are “two to go”, with the final two Tests of the series taking place in September.

Mr Johnson said “we’re not taking anything for granted” but the Headingley Test had been “a hell of a game”.

Mr Morrison agreed the third Ashes Test, which concluded on Sunday, had been “a great match”.

Mr Morrison praised Mr Johnson, despite the modest “sledging” over the cricket.

Asked if Mr Johnson can deliver Brexit, he told reporters: “I tell you, sat in that room with him this morning, you would be absolutely convinced of it. You would be pretty certain of it.

“I very much enjoyed our meeting, let’s just say that.

“We are going to have a great relationship – despite his cricket sledging, which was very modest, I have to say. It was modest sledging.”