EDITORIAL –
What a refreshing month July has been. Why you may ask? Boris Johnson is British Prime Minister. Yes, the man likened to Donald Trump is now spearheading the UK’s departure from the EU which is 90 days away. While ridiculed for his characteristics, Boris may be what the UK needs. He may have got stuck on a zip line, tackled a kid while playing rugby, and called on all Brits to play what he calls ‘whiff whaff’ (ping pong), but Boris Johnson’s leadership style, a distinctive change from his predecessors, may actually deliver Brexit.
Who is ‘Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson’?
Affectionately known as BoJo, the former Mayor of London is feared by many for being a hard-line nationalist who will deliver a no-deal Brexit. Known for his blonde hair and celebrity status, Johnson has been depicted as a leader who does not know what he is doing. Don’t be fooled by the façade. To quote former owner of the Daily Telegraph Conrad Black (Boris’ boss), he is a:
“sly fox disguised as a teddy bear”.
Conrad Black
Former owner of the Daily Telegraph and The Spectator
A seasoned journalist with an elite education including scholarships to Eton College and Oxford University, as well as being President of the Oxford Union, Johnson is a shrewd operator. As a journalist for the Daily Telegraph, he also became a prominent Eurosceptic while influencing major elements of the Conservative Party – becoming Margaret Thatcher’s favourite journalist.
Johnson has also seen his fair share of political experience and scandal. First elected to the House of Commons in 2001, he was accelerated to the Shadow Cabinet in 2003 and dumped in 2004 for an affair he had with a columnist at The Spectator (while he served as Editor). In 2008, he was elected Mayor of London, winning the Labor stronghold with a 6% margin. Here he became the most popular politician in the UK, showcasing major projects such as the Olympics.
Re-entering the Commons in 2015, Johnson was seen as a leading figure in the Conservative Party. Former PM David Cameron wanted his stardom for the Remain campaign in the EU referendum but was otherwise let down by his support for Leave. This meant he was seen as a leadership contender in 2016 after Cameron’s resign. Yet, after being criticised by fellow Brexiteer Michael Gove, he supported PM May and was named Foreign Secretary.
His careful approach, including his resignation after the Chequers Agreement, meant Johnson was in prime position for the leadership which he won easily after Theresa May announced her own resignation.
Unorthodox leadership strategy
The PM’s 8 years as the Mayor of London is seen to be a model. As a liberal Conservative, Johnson won over some of the UK Labour Party’s right through many innovative projects. Unlike traditional leaders, Johnson’s time as mayor was more like that of a CEO or Chairman – deciding main principles and strategies and having specialised people execute the policies. Such a notion is evident in his appointment of Michael Gove as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Although rather arbitrary, Gove’s position includes no-deal Brexit preparation, no large feat. Although Gove cost Johnson his chances of the leadership in 2016, this appointment emphasises the importance of skill over vengeance in this unorthodox premiership.
The appointment of his cabinet and key staffers was the first test of his term which highlights the value he places on loyalty. He dismissed 11 senior ministers and accepted the resignations of 6 of them. Instead, loyalists were given key posts, including Dominic Raab as Foreign Secretary and Priti Patel as Home Secretary. The most shocking appointment was that of Dominic Cummings, the new senior adviser who previously served as the scandal-ridden Vote Leave campaign director. Although there was a large cull of the cabinet, Johnson has shown complete faith in his ministers with minimal chance of dissent – something that tarnished Theresa May’s time in office.
Although the PM will remain central to government operations, we are likely to see ministers have more autonomy and a greater ability to determine more details for many policies. So, what we will now see from Downing Street is the larger picture and more delegation to various government departments to fill in the blanks – a sort of leadership we have not seen since before the Second World War.
What’s next for Brexit?
Many fear Boris will allow the UK to leave the EU without a deal. Unlike his predecessor, he has not ruled this out and has been firmer that another extension is not the answer – leave “do or die”. Yesterday, the British Government invested a further £2 billion in no deal preparation as a sign they will leave 31 October regardless.
Blame has instead been pointed to Brussels by Johnson, claiming they have been obstinate in negotiations. However, the EU is not in a position to negotiate a Brexit deal till November. This is due to the new EU Commission requiring appointment, including new EU President Ursula von der Leyen taking office after the Brexit deadline on 1 November. Ultimately, a new deal would be very difficult to coordinate even though the EU remain committed to the previous deal.
Regardless, the PM has continued in his push to deliver Brexit. His first trips in office included visits to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, to reassure the other parts of the Union. Instead, they just re-emphasised how polarising Brexit continues to be. He also suffered some blunders such as dining with the DUP leader Arlene Foster while attempting to restore devolved government to Northern Ireland, polarising Irish-nationalist party Sinn Fein.
Johnson has only been in office for a short period of time, so we need to wait until more concrete Brexit plans are unveiled. Just get ready to expect the unexpected from this deceivingly strategic leader. Many commentators have compared the PM to his political idol, Sir Winston Churchill. Both were under-estimated and charismatic orators. While Churchill had significantly more experience than Johnson when he entered Number 10, this new leadership may finally get the UK out the EU.
