Boris Johnson was billed as the great hope of British politics, the man who would provide strong leadership after three years of lacklustre and divisive stasis under the dignified, if challenged, Theresa May. He had been a famous mayor of London for eight years and was the biggest political beast in the jungle, the man who could light up any room and reach disparate parts of the country better than any other person in politics.
He won a great landslide victory in December 2019, the first by a Conservative leader since Margaret Thatcher in 1987. He wanted to be better than Thatcher – to be like Winston Churchill. But rather than being in the premier league of prime ministers, he finished bottom of the Vanarama National League.
This story is from the May 14, 2023 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 14, 2023 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Marvel's latest promo video treats its viewers like idiots
‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ will ‘make enemies with Disney’ and ‘lower your IQ’... and that’s according to its own star! Louis Chilton finds the film’s ironic sales pitch mirthless
Coldplay haters get a life...or should that be viva la vida
As the British band prepare to headline Glastonbury for a record-breaking fifth time, Mark Beaumont assesses their legacy and questions why some critics are still so disdainful
Future of fashion is at stake
Clothing brand The Vampire’s Wife, co-founded by Susie Cave, helped define idiosyncratic British glamour. Its sudden closing down reflects an industry in peril
The sickening truth of the Nazi camp on British soil
For years, debate has raged about how many died in the occupation of Channel Island Alderney. It was no ‘miniAuschwitz’ but there were atrocities
Boehly has turned Chelsea into England's silliest club
Have they ever thought the problem might be them? Obviously not, of course, because that might take a level of self-awareness or humility and the capacity to acknowledge the failings at Chelsea start at the top.
Lookman sets Dublin alight and makes Atalanta history
Ademola Lookman’s lift-off finally brings Xabi Alonso down to earth.
Two uncapped players in Scotland Euro 2024 squad
Liverpool’s Ben Doak, 18, included as injury rules out three
Inflation is down but devil is in detail for homeowners
Across the economy, price rises slowed significantly in April with the rate of inflation declining to 2.3 per cent from 3.2 per cent.
M&S has the 'wind in its sails' as profits surge 58%
Retail giant says past year’s results the best since 1997
Kashmiris reject Modi's claims over record turnout
PM insists high voter numbers vindicate controversial BJP policies but locals say opposite
