Boris Johnson compared former prime minister Theresa May to a 'giant yucca tree under whose shade everything dies', according to a new book by his former close aide, Sir Conor Burns. The account, serialised in The Independent, reveals the depth of Johnson's contempt for his predecessor, whom he succeeded in 2019.
Sir Conor, a former Conservative MP and Johnson's parliamentary private secretary when he was foreign secretary, claims Johnson reacted with fury to May's decision to call a snap general election in 2017. 'What the f*** happens when the public sees her?' Johnson reportedly said, predicting disaster. Sir Conor describes May as a 'stunningly stupid blank canvas' and says Johnson's private assessment proved accurate.
The book, 'The Brexit Effect' by Sir Anthony Seldon, also details Johnson's view that May's appointment of him as foreign secretary was a deliberate attempt to 'shaft' a rival. 'It was a brilliant shafting of a rival. How could Boris complain? He was now representing the UK on the global stage,' Sir Conor writes.
Despite his loyalty, Sir Conor is critical of Johnson, saying he 'lacked the gumption' to force through Brexit without Dominic Cummings, his ruthless No 10 adviser. He also questions Johnson's appointments, including Sir Simon Case as cabinet secretary, whom he calls 'lightweight', and Sir Mark Spencer as chief whip, saying 'one of his cows would have done better'.
The serialisation is part of The Independent's new campaign, 'Europe: The Way Back', examining the impact of Brexit and Britain's future relationship with Europe.
