“Boris Johnson is a liar and charlatan”

A bitter Boris Johnson leaves his seat in Parliament. The reviews shift in classic British spirit between “crap” and “giant”.

Many suspect that he remains an elusive shadow of Rishi Sunak’s government – and wonder what plans are hidden beneath the lush canopy.

Fiercely suggesting that he had been forced out by an anti-democratic sham court, Boris Johnson on Friday kicked himself out of the British Parliament – “at least for now”.

The former prime minister has skillfully dodged many bullets, but “partygate” – the scandal surrounding government parties in, among other things, the prime minister’s residence during the otherwise strict covid lockdown – has stubbornly stuck.

The cross-party committee that investigated whether Johnson lied about the parties during his time in power is expected to publish its conclusions shortly.

He himself has equated the process with a witch hunt and claimed that the aim all along was to force him out.

Mixed reviews

The 58-year-old’s ability to stir up strong emotions, both positive and negative, is reflected in the many reactions to his sudden announcement.

The left-leaning Daily Mirror likens him to a “criminal who refuses to come to court to receive his sentence”.

Alastair Campbell, journalist and former spokesman for former Prime Minister Tony Blair, draws parallels with Donald Trump and calls Johnson a “pile of shit” who needs to be flushed down the toilet as quickly as possible.

– Anyone who has ever known Boris Johnson knows that the guy is a liar and a charlatan who is completely unfit for public office, he tells Sky News.

Haunting Sunak?

Conservative The Sun, in turn, hails Johnson for his “unique magnetism and historic achievements” and calls him a “giant” of modern British history.

The newspaper notes that we are unlikely to have seen the last of Johnson, who is tipped to continue causing problems for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Conservative government.

The BBC is on the same track when it states that “Boris Johnson’s ghost is haunting Rishi Sunak”, adding that it is the last thing the latter needs.

In December 2019, Boris Johnson went to the polls to implement Brexit and led the Conservative Party to a crushing victory. After a series of scandals, including “partygate”, he was forced to resign in September last year.

Looking towards Churchill

By voluntarily leaving his seat in parliament, he avoids a potential suspension, which means he can stand in future parliamentary elections.

Tim Bale, professor of political science at Queen Mary University in London, tells the AP news agency that Johnson has long been inspired by Winston Churchill, who led Great Britain to victory in World War II and then lost power – only to return seven years later.

– I think he thinks he can spend some time in the wild and that the Conservative Party and the country will then call him when the time is right.