Boris Johnson: The Triumphs and Trials of a Political Figure
Boris Johnson, the charismatic leader of the Conservative Party, emerged victorious in the December 2019 general election with a resounding 80-seat majority. His primary campaign promise was to “get Brexit done,” and he rode the wave of support for this cause. However, Johnson’s journey in the political arena has been marked by both triumphs and controversies, leading to his eventual resignation from the position of prime minister. Let’s delve into the rise and fall of this influential figure.
A Political Force: Boris Johnson’s Unconventional Path
Boris Johnson’s ascent to power followed a conventional trajectory for a Conservative politician. He received his education at Eton College and later attended Oxford University. At Eton, he displayed a “cavalier attitude” towards his studies, often seeking special treatment. This cavalier approach was further showcased in a charity game in 2006 when he unexpectedly tackled an opponent on the football field. During his time at Oxford, Johnson’s relationship with the truth took shape as he led the Oxford Union, a debating society focused on rhetoric rather than hard facts.
Following his university years, Johnson faced setbacks in his career, such as being dismissed from The Times for fabricating a quote. However, he joined The Telegraph as its Brussels correspondent, where he fostered and amplified Conservative Euroscepticism by spreading “euromyths” about supposed EU plans for a federal mega-state that threatened British sovereignty. Johnson’s opportunism and knack for self-promotion led to appearances on satirical television quiz shows and columns in newspapers and magazines, where his controversial views on various topics gained notoriety.
In 2004, Boris Johnson entered the political arena as an MP, but his shadow cabinet position was short-lived due to a scandal involving an extramarital affair, which he initially lied about. From 2008 to 2016, he served two terms as the mayor of London, initially positioning himself as a pro-European Union liberal. However, when the Brexit referendum loomed, Johnson swiftly switched sides and became the figurehead of the “leave” campaign. He leveraged his image as an unconventional yet affable rogue, appealing to the public’s desire for change.
The Triumph of Brexit and the Unraveling of Power
Boris Johnson’s greatest triumph came with the successful passage of his Brexit deal through parliament. He capitalized on the Conservative Party’s overwhelming majority and unblocked years of political deadlock. However, his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, along with a series of scandals, including the infamous “Partygate,” eroded public trust and led to a ministerial rebellion in July of the previous year.
Despite stepping down as prime minister, speculation persists that Johnson, a father of multiple children from different marriages, still harbours ambitions for the top job. However, his political future remains uncertain, and recent events have cast a shadow over his reputation.
The Downfall: Party Scandals and Resignation
Boris Johnson’s luck began to wane when party scandals emerged during the Covid-19 era. The controversies centred around lockdown-breaking parties that took place while he was in office, and they ultimately forced him to resign as an MP. Facing an investigation into whether he repeatedly lied to parliament, Johnson preemptively stepped down to avoid a potentially humiliating fight to retain his seat. In a strongly-worded statement, he criticized the investigation as a “kangaroo court” and expressed bewilderment and disappointment at being forced out “anti-democratically.”
The Labour Party’s deputy leader, Angela Rayner, aptly described the situation as a “never-ending Tory soap opera,” with the public growing weary of the constant drama amid their struggles with a cost-of-living crisis.
Source: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/brexit-to-partygate-the-rise-and-fall-of-boris-johnson-4109450
