Mining magnate Gina Rinehart has demanded a cut to taxes in Australia, including state payroll taxes and the “nasty” fuel excise, and bemoaned the spread of renewable energy projects and “eyesore” solar panels after being named The Australian Financial Review Business Person of the Year.

Her polemic came after former UK prime minister Boris Johnson told the audience of almost 200 chief executives, managing directors, chairmen and directors that there would be “a lot of positives” if Donald Trump were elected for a second time in 2024, particularly in foreign policy.