I’ve been around for 61 years and an MP for nine of them.

As a country, we stand at the cusp of a new beginning, one where we would be in control of our destiny after more than 40 years.

No one wants that more than Boris Johnson, who I am supporting.

He’s made it crystal clear that the UK will leave the EU on 31 October, with or without a deal.

This will be the third attempt to leave and one we must take, if we are to restore trust in politics and politicians.

Equally worrying is the very real threat of a Marxist government, which could inadvertently win an election were the Brexit Party to split the vote.

It is often said that Mr Johnson reaches the parts other politicians do not.

At this critical moment in our nation’s history, we need him to do exactly that.

His optimism is infectious, and never was it needed more.

His conviction that we will prevail is an antidote to all those who still resort to Project Fear and who think Brexiteers are simply stupid.

But he and I know they are not.

And it’s this confidence in our own country that will turn the tide in any future negotiations.

We want a fair deal, one that respects free trade, but does not embrace a political project, which we did not sign up to.

Mr Johnson and a new team, who believe in Brexit, will have a far better chance of securing such a deal, or we leave on WTO terms.

This paralysis must end if we are to restore our reputation and standing in the world, and self-belief back home.

We found the right leaders in 1940 and 1979 in Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher; now it’s time for the next one.