Bye-bye, Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson delivers his resignation speech without mentioning “resignation” or any apologies for his controversy-laden term. (Photo: James Versey for Shutterstock)
Full disclosure: When I heard that Boris Johnson resigned, my immediate reaction was, "Oh, damn. Anyway." My acquaintance with the British leader was founded almost entirely on memes and the occasional news report like when he tackled a child at a rugby game. Thanks to the research on the events leading up to last week's resignation, I realized the sheer absurdity of the guy as a leader: Popular and media-savvy but with a notoriety for backpedaling and bluffing.
After a week of Conservative allies abandoning ship and an overwhelming loss of confidence in Boris Johnson’s leadership capabilities, the British Prime Minister announced his resignation. Even in doing so, however, Johnson is unapologetic about his three-year-long, scandal-ridden tenure. Johnson ridiculously seemed to think there was a way to save himself and get out unscathed and just mildly ruffled.
What happens in Downing Street
In a parliamentary system, it’s crucial that prime ministers maintain strong support from within their party’s leadership. No-confidence votes are the main way to prompt a general election and be raised by a member of parliament of any party. Both Johnson and his predecessor Theresa May faced no-confidence votes from their own parties, which they both won, albeit Johnson marginally.
Johnson’s own base grew after he became a staunch supporter of the Brexit referendum against fellow Conservative and former Prime Minister David Cameron. He championed the cause after May floundered in several deals with the European Union, prompting the Conservative Party to win their biggest general election since Margaret Thatcher.
The fame that brought him to the top however would be nowhere in his downfall.
Scandals ranging from accusations of misconduct, corruption, and disobedience of the law, marred Johnson’s reputation as Premier. The strength of Tory support for Johnson grew weary around 2021 following a controversy called “Partygate,” when allegations of government employees holding parties during the worst of the UK’s COVID-19 limitations on social gatherings surfaced. Fined £50 by the Metropolitan Police, Johnson became the first sitting Prime Minister to have broken the law while in office.
In the days leading up to his resignation, Downing Street was rocked by high-level resignations that summed up to almost 60 empty posts. Many of these follow reports that resigned Conservative lawmaker Chris Pincher allegedly groped two men at a club. Despite previous allegations of sexual misconduct against Pincher, Johnson appointed him to a senior position in the party. Officials earlier denied Johnson’s knowledge of the allegations but it was soon confirmed that he was repeatedly briefed on them.
The Brits call it brilliant
“I want you to know how sad I am to be giving up the best job in the world. But them’s the breaks,” Johnson said in his resignation address, speaking to reporters as a booing crowd echoed in the background.
Johnson’s exit has come as a relief for many Brits who called it “good news” for their Thursday. A Scottish beer manufacturer even produced a special beer to commemorate the occasion.
“Boris Lie-PA is a hazy IPA, which in keeping with its namesake, lacks transparency.”
Johnson hopes to stay on until the Conservative party elects a new leader, which could take up to four months. But the lack of backing and trust from within his own government threatens the sustainability of this plan. With a dismal number of allies left and his own party turning against him, to keep Johnson in Downing Street will be a laughable act to hold on to whatever power he has left.
