Post-Brexit tumult has given another jolt to British polity. The man who was supposed to lead the nation after a bleeding battle to extricate Britain from the European superstate, decided to crush his leadership ambitions by pulling out of the prime ministerial race. The rotund Boris Johnson’s announcement must have been like a kick in the teeth for his supporters who were expecting a formal intention of declaration to succeed David Cameron by the Conservative leader. Boris led the campaign for Britain to leave the 28-nation European Union with marked aggression and an intrepid demeanour. At the head of the ‘Leave’ campaign, he was also accused of peddling lies and prevarications to sway voters. He had become the face of a campaign that ultimately won the race to take Britain out of the bloc much reviled by his supporters.
After Prime Minister David Cameron announced his resignation quite dramatically with wife by his side outside 10 Downing Street and both walked back holding hands in a gesture of personal solidarity, the run to occupy the most famous address in the country had been getting more interesting. Besides Johnson, Home Secretary Theresa May, and Justice Secretary Michael Gove were tipped to be the contenders for the top post. After Johnson’s announcement, however, May is seen to be the frontrunner.
Johnson’s move was propelled by Brexit campaign ally Justice Secretary Michael Gove’s decision to pull the rug by withdrawing his backing of the former London mayor. Lacking gravitas and poise, the Oxford-educated Johnson has been railing at Britain’s membership of the European Union. His desperate rush to see the country out of the bloc was largely driven by prime ministerial ambitions. The Eton schoolmate and Oxford college mate of Cameron has been courting controversy and Brexit was the latest one. After quitting the race to be prime minister, he has the Conservative Party in a turmoil.
It seems the rumpus of elections and politicking has crossed the Atlantic at a time the US election season is close to ripening. While Donald Trump roils the waters in United States, Johnson has jolted Britain, first with Brexit and then Broxit.
Brexit made Britain vulnerable with the certain possibility of a divorce from EU. The proclivity of Scotland not to leave EU is likely to trigger another referendum by the Scots — to separate from Britain. This could lead to similar demands by Northern Ireland and Wales.
It seems Boris has got his due. He misled Britons into believing that EU was not good for them. Now, the pandemonium within the party has consumed his ambition.
Post-Brexit tumult has given another jolt to British polity. The man who was supposed to lead the nation after a bleeding battle to extricate Britain from the European superstate, decided to crush his leadership ambitions by pulling out of the prime ministerial race. The rotund Boris Johnson’s announcement must have been like a kick in the teeth for his supporters who were expecting a formal intention of declaration to succeed David Cameron by the Conservative leader. Boris led the campaign for Britain to leave the 28-nation European Union with marked aggression and an intrepid demeanour. At the head of the ‘Leave’ campaign, he was also accused of peddling lies and prevarications to sway voters. He had become the face of a campaign that ultimately won the race to take Britain out of the bloc much reviled by his supporters.
After Prime Minister David Cameron announced his resignation quite dramatically with wife by his side outside 10 Downing Street and both walked back holding hands in a gesture of personal solidarity, the run to occupy the most famous address in the country had been getting more interesting. Besides Johnson, Home Secretary Theresa May, and Justice Secretary Michael Gove were tipped to be the contenders for the top post. After Johnson’s announcement, however, May is seen to be the frontrunner.
Johnson’s move was propelled by Brexit campaign ally Justice Secretary Michael Gove’s decision to pull the rug by withdrawing his backing of the former London mayor. Lacking gravitas and poise, the Oxford-educated Johnson has been railing at Britain’s membership of the European Union. His desperate rush to see the country out of the bloc was largely driven by prime ministerial ambitions. The Eton schoolmate and Oxford college mate of Cameron has been courting controversy and Brexit was the latest one. After quitting the race to be prime minister, he has the Conservative Party in a turmoil.
It seems the rumpus of elections and politicking has crossed the Atlantic at a time the US election season is close to ripening. While Donald Trump roils the waters in United States, Johnson has jolted Britain, first with Brexit and then Broxit.
Brexit made Britain vulnerable with the certain possibility of a divorce from EU. The proclivity of Scotland not to leave EU is likely to trigger another referendum by the Scots — to separate from Britain. This could lead to similar demands by Northern Ireland and Wales.
It seems Boris has got his due. He misled Britons into believing that EU was not good for them. Now, the pandemonium within the party has consumed his ambition.
