Trump says Boris Johnson would do 'great job' as Britain's prime minister

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Trump said on Friday he was looking forward to working with Boris Johnson, the front-runner to be Britain's next prime minister, and believes Johnson will work out Brexit.

"I spoke to him yesterday. I think he's going to do a great job. I think we're going to have a great relationship," Trump told reporters at a White House event.

Referring to outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May, whom he has repeatedly criticized for her handling of Britain's separation from the European Union, Trump said "the previous prime minister has done a very bad job with Brexit."

"It's a disaster, and it shouldn't be that way. I think Boris will straighten it out," the president said.

(Reporting By Steve Holland; editing by Grant McCool and Cynthia Osterman)