Boris Johnson will go down as one of the most consequential prime ministers of the last 100 years, according to a new book. 'The Brexit Effect, 2016-2026' picks through the bones of the seismic vote that brought him to power. Former Tory MP Conor Burns recalls the chaos surrounding Johnson's path to Downing Street.
Johnson's Rise and the Referendum
Without Johnson's de facto public leadership, the Leave campaign might not have won. His premiership ensured Brexit was delivered and not reversed.
Theresa May: A Blank Canvas
Theresa May was described as a blank canvas onto which MPs projected their hopes. Her cryptic answers concealed a lack of belief. The 2017 election revealed she had nothing noteworthy to communicate. Her decision to make Johnson foreign secretary was a brilliant shafting of a rival, hiding her lack of a plan.
May's decision to call an election was a disaster. Johnson presciently warned: "What the f**k happens when the public sees her?" After the election, she was seen as the political "Peter Principle" – promoted to her level of incompetence.
Brexiteer 'Knuckleheads'
Supreme bores like Bernard Jenkin resented Johnson as a Johnny-come-lately. The knuckleheaded Brexiteers clamoured for Article 50 to be invoked. Steve Baker was often close to tears, once calling Burns late at night saying he was prepared to become PM to save Brexit. Johnson's reply was a text: "FFS!"
Liz Truss: 'Off the Spectrum'
Liz Truss, whom Johnson nearly sacked in 2019, was constantly on manoeuvres. She was supported by Wendy Morton, known as "Wendy Moron", and a young MP who looked like he was auditioning for Alan B'Stard.
Dominic Cummings: Cancerous Relationship
Johnson and Cummings used each other. Johnson lacked the gumption to prorogue Parliament without Cummings. Conversely, no other PM would have allowed Cummings near Downing Street.
Cameron and Osborne: Arrogant and Conceited
The disgraceful decision to prevent civil service preparation for a Leave vote was born of arrogance and a bubble mentality.
Hatred Between Johnson's and Gove's Teams
Mutual suspicion between the "Amigos" and the "Govers" amounted to hatred. The parliamentary party was determined to have Anyone But Boris.
Johnson's Foreign Office Deputy's Loathing
Senior Foreign Office mandarins thought Johnson an affront. Alan Duncan could not conceal his loathing. Alistair Burt was patronising. Rory Stewart was just himself.
Flawed Appointments
Simon Case as cabinet secretary was lightweight. Mark Spencer, the chief whip, arrived without a pen or pad. His nickname "the bovine Chief" had an element of truth. Matt Hancock lived up to the last four letters of his name. Roger Gale heckled Johnson's resignation speech. Toby Ellwood, known as "Wooden Top", called for single market membership.
Grant Shapps joins campaigns late to use winners. Gavin Williamson is the same on steroids. One backbencher cried over a promised privy councillorship then asked to be home secretary. Johnny Mercer told Johnson they should "do this together", interpreting Johnson's "Come on!" as a promise to be number two.
Rishi Sunak's Submarine Campaign
Colleagues used Covid to undermine Johnson. Sunak's PPS Claire Coutinho loitered outside the chancellor's office to lure wavering MPs. Team Boris accidentally offered up colleagues to the submarine Sunak campaign.
Why Johnson Had to Resign
Johnson had served his purpose: Brexit was done. As he used the Tory Party, they used him.
