From punchline to political star: the rise of Boris Johnson
5 years ago

From punchline to political star: the rise of Boris Johnson

Associated Press  

LONDON — Boris Johnson’s many critics have often dismissed him as a political clown. As a child, Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson’s goal was to become “world king.” At the elite private school Eton he was clever, though not diligent; one teacher complained to Johnson’s parents about his ”disgracefully cavalier attitude.” At Oxford University, Johnson was president of the Oxford Union debating society, and a member of the Bullingdon Club, a posh, raucous drinking-and-dining society notorious for drunken vandalism. Before Britain’s 2016 referendum he wrote two newspaper columns — one in favor of quitting the EU, one for remaining — before throwing himself behind the “leave” campaign. To get the top job, Johnson promised Conservatives that he’d rather be “dead in a ditch” than delay Brexit beyond Oct. 31. “And then the question is: Can some kind of trade deal be done with the EU by Dec. 31, 2020?” ___ Follow AP’s full coverage of Brexit and British politics at: https://www.apnews.com/Brexit

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History of this topic

UK’s landmark postwar elections: When Boris Johnson sought and got a mandate to ‘Get Brexit Done’
6 months ago

UK’s landmark postwar elections: When Boris Johnson sought and got a mandate to ‘Get Brexit Done’

Associated Press  

LONDON — Britain’s upcoming general election is widely expected to lead to a change of government for the first time in 14 years. Many analysts believe it will be one of the country’s most consequential elections since the end of World War II. ___ When former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called an election in December 2019, it was essentially …

Could Boris Johnson really return as narcissist-in-chief of the Tory party?
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Could Boris Johnson really return as narcissist-in-chief of the Tory party?

The Independent  

Guess who’s back… back again,” said Nigel Farage in his latest Eminem act as he launched Reform UK’s implausibly funded “contract with the people”. Johnson seems to be positioning himself as the Tories’ saviour – not from Theresa May, a stalled Brexit process or from Labour, but from Farage’s ambition to mount a reverse takeover of the Tories after the …

Boris Johnson lives for attention – but his latest gig won’t stop him being a busted flush
1 year, 2 months ago

Boris Johnson lives for attention – but his latest gig won’t stop him being a busted flush

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. We know that enough Tory members …

Opinion: Why won’t Boris Johnson and Donald Trump just go away?
1 year, 6 months ago

Opinion: Why won’t Boris Johnson and Donald Trump just go away?

LA Times  

Being bad has always come good for Boris Johnson. Scandals over plagiarism allegations, multiple affairs, an “Avatar”-length blooper reel of public blunders — disgrace is a boon for Britain’s Donald Trump, who is now well-versed in turning recklessness into riches. Politics is a popularity contest, and Johnson — to use Trump’s parlance — always comes out “winning.” Like his U.S. …

Boris Johnson’s career spanned dizzying heights and tumultuous lows
1 year, 6 months ago

Boris Johnson’s career spanned dizzying heights and tumultuous lows

Associated Press  

LONDON — He was the mayor who reveled in the glory of hosting the 2012 London Olympics, and the man who led the Conservatives to a whopping election victory on the back of his mission to “get Brexit done.” But Boris Johnson’s time as prime minister was marred by his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and a steady stream of …

Boris Johnson quits as MP and claims he is victim of ‘Partygate and Brexit witch-hunt’
1 year, 6 months ago

Boris Johnson quits as MP and claims he is victim of ‘Partygate and Brexit witch-hunt’

The Independent  

Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In a 1,000 …

Boris Johnson is strong enough to wound, but not powerful enough to conquer
1 year, 11 months ago

Boris Johnson is strong enough to wound, but not powerful enough to conquer

The Independent  

Could 2023 be the year when Boris Johnson breaks another political convention and makes his comeback? But as the party’s troubles show no sign of abating, economic recession starts to set in – and the Tories face a wipeout in the May local elections – we may expect more and more Tories to talk wistfully about Mr Johnson’s magic touch …

Boris Johnson ends comeback bid — but promises another
2 years, 2 months ago

Boris Johnson ends comeback bid — but promises another

Associated Press  

LONDON — In the end, all of Boris Johnson’s bluster couldn’t hide the facts: He didn’t have the votes to win the Conservative Party leadership contest and stage a political comeback just weeks after being forced out as prime minister. “Essentially the Boris Johnson bandwagon blew up,’’ said Tim Bale, a professor of politics at Queen Mary, University of London. …

Boris Johnson rules himself out in UK PM race: Read full statement
2 years, 2 months ago

Boris Johnson rules himself out in UK PM race: Read full statement

Hindustan Times  

As former British prime minister Boris Johnson announced that he will not stand for the Tory leadership, he asserted that he is "well placed" to deliver a victory in the 2024 general election. “There is a very good chance that I would be successful in the election with Conservative Party members - and that I could indeed be back in …

No Boris Johnson, please: MPs not keen on former UK PM's political comeback
2 years, 2 months ago

No Boris Johnson, please: MPs not keen on former UK PM's political comeback

Hindustan Times  

Boris Johnson has hinted at a return to 10 Downing Street following UK prime minister's Liz Truss resignation. Boris Johnson In UK PM Race: Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson walks, at Gatwick Airport, near London, Britain. Several Tory MPs have expressed opposition to Boris Johnson’s return, calling it to be the “end of the Conservative party”, in case he …

Johnson returns to UK amid rumors he will run for leader
2 years, 2 months ago

Johnson returns to UK amid rumors he will run for leader

Associated Press  

LONDON — The lightning-fast race to replace Liz Truss as British Prime Minister got even wilder Saturday as former leader Boris Johnson jetted back to the U.K amid speculation he will run to reclaim his former job. Former Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, said Saturday morning that it was “difficult to see” how Johnson could become prime minister again when …

Boris Johnson has ‘very’ good chance of returning to No 10, former aide says
2 years, 2 months ago

Boris Johnson has ‘very’ good chance of returning to No 10, former aide says

The Independent  

Boris Johnson is enjoying a surge in support among Tory MPs and has a “very” good chance of returning to No 10, a former aide is predicting. “I’m now hearing from two or three people I really respect – who are usually very good at the numbers – that he is not only likely to pass the 100 MPs’ threshold …

Boris Johnson Eyes Comeback As UK Conservatives Pick New PM
2 years, 2 months ago

Boris Johnson Eyes Comeback As UK Conservatives Pick New PM

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING LONDON — Several British lawmakers, including scandal-tarnished former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, jockeyed for support Friday to become the country’s next leader following the implosion of Liz Truss’ historically short-lived government. Rob Ford, professor of political science at the University of Manchester, said Conservatives who thought Johnson could solve their problems “don’t live in a reality-based community.” …

Could Boris Johnson become prime minister again?
2 years, 2 months ago

Could Boris Johnson become prime minister again?

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Only days ago, Mr Johnson – who served as prime minister for just over three …

Boris Johnson eyes comeback bid as UK Tories pick new leader
2 years, 2 months ago

Boris Johnson eyes comeback bid as UK Tories pick new leader

Deccan Chronicle  

LONDON: Several British lawmakers, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, were trying to scoop up support on Friday ahead of a short, intense contest to replace Liz Truss as the nation's leader. Johnson ally Nadine Dorries said the party should pick him because “he is a known winner” who led the Conservatives to a big election victory in 2019. “And …

Where does Boris Johnson stand in the pantheon of modern British prime ministers?
2 years, 4 months ago

Where does Boris Johnson stand in the pantheon of modern British prime ministers?

The Independent  

Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy …

‘This is it, folks': Boris Johnson bids an ambiguous goodbye
2 years, 4 months ago

‘This is it, folks': Boris Johnson bids an ambiguous goodbye

Associated Press  

LONDON — Boris Johnson’s term as British leader was a mix of high drama and low disgrace. But he left office Tuesday with a casual shrug of a farewell: “Well, this is it, folks.” The prime minister’s final speech outside 10 Downing Street, delivered before he offered his resignation to Queen Elizabeth II, was vintage Johnson — a quixotic blend …

Photos: Boris Johnson’s time in office as he exits Downing Street
2 years, 4 months ago

Photos: Boris Johnson’s time in office as he exits Downing Street

Al Jazeera  

Liz Truss will become the new leader of the British Conservative Party, and will therefore succeed Boris Johnson as the United Kingdom’s new prime minister. As the leadership race culminated on Monday, the debate about Johnson’s legacy will linger long after he is formally replaced by Truss on Tuesday. Johnson hesitated before imposing a nationwide lockdown in March 2020; experts …

Boris Johnson tops poll of bad UK prime ministers as term comes to end
2 years, 4 months ago

Boris Johnson tops poll of bad UK prime ministers as term comes to end

Firstpost  

The outgoing prime minister was given a poor performance rating by around 49 per cent of the British public polled to judge the performance of post-war British leaders since 1945 London: Boris Johnson has topped a public poll to pick leaders who are seen as having done a bad job as prime minister, pollster Ipsos found in a new survey …

As Boris Johnson departs, UK takes stock of his messy legacy
2 years, 4 months ago

As Boris Johnson departs, UK takes stock of his messy legacy

Associated Press  

LONDON — The moving vans have already started arriving at Downing Street as Britain’s Conservative Party prepares to evict Prime Minister Boris Johnson. When wrangling in Parliament over the departure terms brought down Prime Minister Theresa May three years later, Johnson succeeded her with a vow to “get Brexit done.” He led the Conservatives to a huge election victory in …

As Boris Johnson departs, UK takes stock of his messy legacy
2 years, 4 months ago

As Boris Johnson departs, UK takes stock of his messy legacy

The Independent  

Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy …

The contenders vying to succeed Johnson as next UK leader
2 years, 5 months ago

The contenders vying to succeed Johnson as next UK leader

Associated Press  

LONDON — Eight politicians are vying to replace Boris Johnson as the next Conservative Party leader and British prime minister. These are the contenders who have secured support from at least 20 Conservative lawmakers to progress to Wednesday’s run-off votes: ___ RISHI SUNAK, FORMER TREASURY CHIEF Sunak, 42, is the best-known of the party’s potential leaders and a favorite of …

new UK prime minister to replace Boris Johnson to be announced on September 5
2 years, 5 months ago

new UK prime minister to replace Boris Johnson to be announced on September 5

The Hindu  

The new U.K. Prime Minister to replace the outgoing Boris Johnson will be announced on September 5, the ruling Conservative party said on Monday, with 11 hopefuls currently vying for the job. But a poll of grassroots members by the influential ‘ConservativeHome’ website released on Monday showed strong support for less high-profile candidates, with former defence minister Penny Mordaunt holding …

Boris Johnson Will Not Support Any Candidate Running To Succeed Him As UK's PM: Report
2 years, 5 months ago

Boris Johnson Will Not Support Any Candidate Running To Succeed Him As UK's PM: Report

ABP News  

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson declined to back any of the candidates running to succeed him on Monday, saying he didn't want to jeopardize their prospects, news agency Reuters reported. In his first media appearance after stepping down as PM, Johnson said, "I wouldn't want to damage anybody's chances by offering my support." 11 Candidates To Race To Succeed Boris …

DC EDIT | Boris goes at last, but he leaves UK in a total mess
2 years, 6 months ago

DC EDIT | Boris goes at last, but he leaves UK in a total mess

Deccan Chronicle  

The end of Boris Johnson’s tumultuous time as head of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom came in chaotic circumstances as the leader of a democracy, consumed by the delusional grandeur that he was serving a colossal mandate from the voters, was forced to bow to the dictates of his party MPs. Given his record of …

UK leader hopefuls jostle as Johnson digs in for final weeks
2 years, 6 months ago

UK leader hopefuls jostle as Johnson digs in for final weeks

Associated Press  

LONDON — Former British Treasury chief Rishi Sunak formally launched his campaign to replace departing Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday, leaping to the front of what is set to be a large pack of Conservative Party contenders — even as some party lawmakers pushed to get the scandal-tarnished Johnson out of office before his replacement is elected over the …

One scandal too many: British PM Boris Johnson resigns
2 years, 6 months ago

One scandal too many: British PM Boris Johnson resigns

Associated Press  

LONDON — Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his resignation Thursday after droves of top government officials quit over the latest scandal to engulf him, marking an end to three tumultuous years in which he tried to bluster his way through one ethical lapse after another. “I regret not to have been successful in those arguments, and of course it’s painful …

Disorderly exit: The Hindu on Boris Johnson’s resignation
2 years, 6 months ago

Disorderly exit: The Hindu on Boris Johnson’s resignation

The Hindu  

For a leader who led the Conservative party to an 80-seat majority three years ago with a Thatcher-like charisma, Boris Johnson’s fall from grace was so steep that a host of his Ministers, including those who were appointed days earlier, publicly called for his resignation on Wednesday. Mr. Johnson, a journalist-turned-politician who rose to the pinnacles of power riding the …

From Brexit to Partygate, a timeline of Johnson’s career
2 years, 6 months ago

From Brexit to Partygate, a timeline of Johnson’s career

Associated Press  

LONDON — He was the mayor who basked in the glory of hosting the 2012 London Olympics, and the man who led the Conservatives to a thumping election victory on the back of his promise to “get Brexit done.” But Boris Johnson’s time as prime minister was marred by his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and a steady stream of …

What’s next for UK? Boris Johnson quits, but not gone yet
2 years, 6 months ago

What’s next for UK? Boris Johnson quits, but not gone yet

Associated Press  

LONDON — Boris Johnson has resigned as Conservative Party leader after months of ethics scandals and a party revolt. Johnson has resigned as party leader, but he is still prime minister until his successor is elected. He appointed several new Cabinet ministers on Thursday to replace those he has lost, and said they would “serve as I will until a …

Boris Johnson resigns as Britain’s prime minister after Tory MPs revolt
2 years, 6 months ago

Boris Johnson resigns as Britain’s prime minister after Tory MPs revolt

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Boris Johnson has resigned as Conservative leader and said “no one …

From Brexit to Partygate, an overview of Boris Johnson’s career
2 years, 6 months ago

From Brexit to Partygate, an overview of Boris Johnson’s career

Live Mint  

Boris Johnson on Thursday ‘officially’ resigned as leader of Britain's Conservative party, paving the way for the selection of a new prime minister. In his resignation speech from outside of his official residence in 10 Downing Street, he stated, “It is clearly the will of the parliamentary Conservative party that there should be a new leader of that party, and …

Boris Johnson reached the top but was felled by his flaws
2 years, 6 months ago

Boris Johnson reached the top but was felled by his flaws

Associated Press  

LONDON — Boris Johnson wanted to be like his hero Winston Churchill: a larger-than-life character who led Britain through a time of crisis. An investigation by senior civil servant Sue Gray criticized “failures of leadership and judgment” in Johnson’s government for allowing multiple rule-breaking gatherings in 2020 and 2021. A sympathetic biographer, Andrew Gimson, called Johnson “the man who takes …

Boris Johnson reached the top but was felled by his flaws
2 years, 6 months ago

Boris Johnson reached the top but was felled by his flaws

The Independent  

Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. An …

Boris Johnson to resign: This is how the new UK prime minister will be chosen
2 years, 6 months ago

Boris Johnson to resign: This is how the new UK prime minister will be chosen

Live Mint  

On July 7, Boris Johnson was scheduled to step down as prime minister, starting the process of electing a new leader for the United Kingdom. The procedure for selecting Johnson's replacement will go as follows: This summer will see a Conservative leadership election, and a new prime minister will be in office by the time of the party conference in …

Boris Johnson to resign, will stay UK PM until new leader elected
2 years, 6 months ago

Boris Johnson to resign, will stay UK PM until new leader elected

Deccan Chronicle  

LONDON: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday finally agreed to step down as Conservative Party leader, triggering a leadership election for a new Tory leader who will go on to become the new premier, according to reports from Downing Street. Johnson, 58, will remain in charge at 10 Downing Street until the process of electing a new leader is …

Boris Johnson resigns as PM, political drama ends in Britain
2 years, 6 months ago

Boris Johnson resigns as PM, political drama ends in Britain

The Hindu  

Boris Johnson resigned on Thursday as leader of Britain’s Conservative party, paving the way for the selection of a new Prime Minister after dozens of Ministers quit his government over 48 hours of frenzied political drama. “It is clearly the will of the parliamentary Conservative party that there should be a new leader of that party, and therefore a new …

Boris Johnson’s exit is a sign that the system is functioning
2 years, 6 months ago

Boris Johnson’s exit is a sign that the system is functioning

Al Jazeera  

A feature of a working constitution is that repugnant things can be spat out by the body politic. Today Boris Johnson, the prime minister of the United Kingdom, announced his resignation. But since 1974 every single prime minister has either gained office or lost office between general elections – or, with the cases of Theresa May and Boris Johnson, both. …

Conservative leadership race: Who might replace Boris Johnson as UK Prime Minister?
2 years, 6 months ago

Conservative leadership race: Who might replace Boris Johnson as UK Prime Minister?

CNN  

London CNN — The race to replace British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is ramping up, with 11 candidates declaring their intention to run, many on platforms of lowering taxes and promises to clean up government following Johnson’s crisis-plagued leadership. His stock sank earlier this year after revelations that he broke Covid regulations to attend the prime minister’s birthday party on …

The rise and fall of UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson
2 years, 6 months ago

The rise and fall of UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Al Jazeera  

Johnson started out as a reporter before becoming mayor of London, foreign secretary and eventually prime minister. London, United Kingdom – Boris Johnson has stepped down as the United Kingdom’s prime minister on July 7 after his latest political crisis, following the resignation of key ministers and other officials. Johnson’s leadership has come under intense scrutiny after an investigator’s report …

From Brexit to Partygate, a timeline of Boris Johnson’s career
2 years, 6 months ago

From Brexit to Partygate, a timeline of Boris Johnson’s career

LA Times  

Boris Johnson, then the mayor of London, is flanked by four San Francisco 49ers cheerleaders in October 2010. He was the mayor who basked in the glory of hosting the 2012 London Olympics, and the national politician who led the Conservatives to a thumping election victory on the back of his promise to “get Brexit done.” But Boris Johnson’s time …

Boris Johnson was the man who delivered England Brexit. But his legacy will be defined by a series of scandals
2 years, 6 months ago

Boris Johnson was the man who delivered England Brexit. But his legacy will be defined by a series of scandals

ABC  

For a man obsessed with ancient poetry, Boris Johnson's protracted political exit has had all the hallmarks of a classic Greek odyssey. While he was always on the way to a political career, Mr Johnson started out as a reporter and rather enjoyed "being a leech and a parasite in the media world". Former Tory MP Amber Rudd once said …

How scandals of Boris Johnson’s own making brought him down
2 years, 6 months ago

How scandals of Boris Johnson’s own making brought him down

CNN  

London CNN — UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his resignation as Conservative Party leader Thursday, bringing his scandal-plagued tenure to an end after less than three years. Mary Turner/Bloomberg via Getty Images Johnson sits next to Prime Minister Theresa May during a Cabinet meeting in November 2016. Jeff Overs/BBC via Getty Images Johnson speaks in July 2019 after he …

What's next for UK? Boris Johnson quits, but not gone yet
2 years, 6 months ago

What's next for UK? Boris Johnson quits, but not gone yet

India TV News  

Highlights Johnson's resignation on Thursday comes after he weathered numerous scandals For now his resignation sparks a party contest to replace him as leader The final two candidates will be put to a vote of the full party membership across the country Boris Johnson resigns as UK PM: Boris Johnson has caved in to a Conservative Party revolt after months …

‘Remarkable gifts’ but an ‘absence of conscience’: Boris Johnson was felled by his flaws
2 years, 6 months ago

‘Remarkable gifts’ but an ‘absence of conscience’: Boris Johnson was felled by his flaws

LA Times  

Boris Johnson used his support for the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union to launch himself to the premiership. World & Nation Photos: Before the resignation, the colorful reign of Britain’s Boris Johnson LONDON — Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his resignation Thursday amid a mass revolt by top members of his government, marking an end to three …

Britain’s Boris Johnson battles to stay as PM amid revolt
2 years, 6 months ago

Britain’s Boris Johnson battles to stay as PM amid revolt

Associated Press  

LONDON — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson battled to remain in office Wednesday, brushing off calls for his resignation after three Cabinet ministers and a slew of junior officials said they could no longer serve under his scandal-plagued leadership. Labour Party leader Keir Starmer mockingly said of the resignations surrounding Johnson, “Isn’t it the first recorded case of the sinking …

DC Edit | Endgame may be near in Boris’ battle for survival
2 years, 6 months ago

DC Edit | Endgame may be near in Boris’ battle for survival

Deccan Chronicle  

The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has shown himself to be a master of political survival with a Houdini-like ability to get out of every situation that triggered calls for his head. There are sections within his party who blame him, and not without basis, for his government’s mishandling the fallout of each problem, beginning with the “Patygate” scandal in …

Why is UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson facing his biggest crisis, and what comes next?
2 years, 6 months ago

Why is UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson facing his biggest crisis, and what comes next?

CNN  

London CNN — UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing his biggest crisis yet, after dozens of government officials, including two senior Cabinet ministers resigned over his the handling of allegations of sexual misconduct by a member of the government. At first, when new reports of Pincher’s historical conduct emerged in the light of his resignation, Downing Street denied the …

U.K. PM Johnson claims to be on track to win next election amid rebellion
2 years, 6 months ago

U.K. PM Johnson claims to be on track to win next election amid rebellion

The Hindu  

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday angered many of his Conservative Party colleagues with bold claims of being on track to lead the governing party at the next general election, despite a growing rebellion against his leadership following scathing defeats in two important by-elections. Earlier, in a BBC interview, Mr. Johnson said: “If you’re saying you want me to …

Defiant Johnson says he won’t change despite election woes
2 years, 6 months ago

Defiant Johnson says he won’t change despite election woes

Associated Press  

LONDON — A defiant British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was in a stubborn standoff with his frustrated Conservative Party on Saturday, after two thumping special election defeats renewed calls for a major change of government direction. Johnson dismissed the defeats as predictable mid-term blues, and said people expecting “some sort of psychological transformation” from him should know “that is not …

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