Thomas International says that good leadership qualities include decisiveness, empowering others and openness to change - all reflect aspects of emotional intelligence.

It adds that high levels of emotional intelligence are essential for ministerial candidates to win the hearts and minds of voters, and once elected, will be a vital determinant of success at 10 Downing Street.

Martin Reed, chief executive of Thomas International, says: “The new PM will be like any business leader who enters a company in crisis, with little insider knowledge. He has to quickly gain deep rapport and trust amongst the people he is leading. Getting buy-in is essential.”