Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson is back, not with a political comeback, but with a memoir that promises to reveal all.
Despite the buzz around ‘Unleashed’, the Conservative Party seems keen to move past Johnson’s era, focusing on its future leadership.
Memoir Excerpts and Controversies
From a near-death experience with Covid-19 to a bizarre plan to raid a Dutch warehouse for vaccines, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s memoir packs a punch. Titled “Unleashed”, the book promises the ‘unfiltered truth’ about his political life, Brexit, and the Conservative Party.
Johnson describes considering an ‘aquatic raid’ on a Dutch warehouse for vaccine doses amidst an EU supply row. Describing the idea as ‘nuts’, he concedes that military officials advised against it. He also reflects on his time in intensive care, admitting he feared he ‘might have carked it’ without his nurses’ expertise.
Conference Focus
As the Conservative Party gathers for its annual conference in Birmingham, attendees’ focus is noticeably elsewhere. Young Conservative Dillon Hughes remarks, ‘I haven’t heard much about Boris at this conference.’ He suggests members are looking forward to a post-Johnson era.
Party veteran Peter Young echoes this sentiment, stating the gathering is not overshadowed by Johnson’s memoir. ‘It’s not being discussed. It’s history now,’ he observes.
Media Spotlight on Johnson
Laura Weldon, a former Conservative candidate, believes the media’s fascination with Johnson continues unabated. ‘Boris is a character the media adore. If he took the bins out, it would be a front-page story,’ she quips.
The timing of the memoir’s release, coinciding with the party’s leadership race, has certainly raised eyebrows. Was it a calculated move?
Party Sentiments on Johnson’s Legacy
Johnson’s divisive legacy is evident among party members. To some, he remains a hero for championing Brexit and attracting a broader base of voters.
‘He’ll always be loved by some members,’ says Jonathan Rich, a Tory supporter. However, others, like Hughes, think his era is over. ‘He inspired me to join, but now is not his time.’
Peter Young concurs: ‘He’s not part of the conversation anymore. The party has moved on.’
Key Revelations From the Memoir
Another surprising memoir revelation is Johnson’s attempt to dissuade Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from leaving the UK. Describing it as a ‘manly pep talk,’ Johnson admits it was ‘totally hopeless.’
The memoir also revisits his role in securing a landslide victory in the 2019 general election, his leadership during Brexit, and the scandalous Covid lockdown-breaking parties that eventually led to his ouster.
Public Reaction
The public’s reaction to Johnson’s memoir has been mixed. Some find his candid recollections entertaining, while others are sceptical of his ‘unfiltered truth.’
The Conservative Party’s focus on finding a new leader suggests a strong desire to move beyond Johnson’s controversial tenure.
Conclusion
Diagnosing Johnson’s time in office is complex. While his memoir offers tantalizing insights, the Conservative Party appears ready to turn the page. As they seek new leadership, Boris Johnson’s ‘Unleashed’ acts as a reminder of a tumultuous period in Britain’s political history.
As Johnson’s memoir hits the shelves, its revelations are sure to spark debate. However, the Conservative Party’s focus is firmly on the future, leaving Johnson’s tumultuous time in office in the past.
