Boris Johnson has once again left his office causing chaos in his wake. The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has brought disgrace to Downing Street both with his mendacious Brexit campaign which caused David Cameron’s leadership to crumble, and during his term as Prime Minister, which was plagued with scandals such as the Partygate and breaking the law during lockdown. Although Johnson has a likable personality and can command a public stage like any talented comedian, his behind-the-scenes persona is quite unsuited to high office.
Johnson feeds into the populist maverick mentality, which leads him to be at odds with the core institution of British parliamentary democracy. He has now resigned his seat, but with murmurs that this is only “for now”. His resignation statement was issued over the heads of his fellow MPs, portraying himself as a victim of a “political hit job … a witch-hunt … a kangaroo court”. The tactic might work for Trump in America, but it seems far less likely that the adoring shires, the “red wall” and floating voters will follow Johnson in his march on Westminster.
In his statement, there was no ounce of contrition. The language used was mean-spirited, chippy, and mendacious. It was deeply disloyal to the Tory party leadership, and the accusation of disloyalty he levelled at Rishi Sunak for resigning as his chancellor was monumentally hypocritical, given how he treated Cameron and May.
Johnson was afraid of democracy; he feared his constituents, not parliament. He cut and ran and left a trail of “honours” to his most loyal courtiers, irrespective of their merits, including life membership of parliament as peers and corresponding income. This is a parody of politics, and it seems like it will never stop.
Britain is a parliamentary democracy, not a populist one. Parliament is in place to discipline the popular will to the realities and necessities of power. Johnson’s attitude towards parliament was orchestrated by ethically neutered aides imported into Downing Street. He sacked the abler half of the existing cabinet on suspicion of disloyalty and tried to suspend parliament.
Johnson failed the “good chaps” test of constitutional behaviour. The unwritten constitution of Britain is underpinned by unspoken protocols of honesty, courtesy, and compromise. These conventions have guided parliament down the ages, steering clear of revolutions, anarchies, and mob rule. Johnson insulted parliament, and it is unlikely that its members will forgive him. He should retire profitably and stick to what he does best: entertaining the world from the sidelines.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
