Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has claimed that the U.K. has regained “legal control” post-Brexit, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding illegal immigration across the English Channel. “The problems we face now are illegal migration, people coming across the Channel illegally,” he stated. This commentary aligns with mounting challenges the government faces in managing border security, reports 24brussels.
Unlike his stance on immigration, Johnson has been notably less defensive regarding his track record on net-zero climate policies. Reports suggest he acknowledged in an upcoming book that he may have moved “too fast” on environmental measures during his tenure as Prime Minister.
Missing a Superstar
In the wake of Johnson’s departure from frontline politics, the Conservative Party has struggled to identify a new charismatic leader. The absence of a compelling figure is particularly noticeable at the party’s recent conference, complicating the position of current leader Kemi Badenoch.
“He drew a huge crowd wherever he went — people wanted signatures, they wanted selfies,” remarked a former adviser to Johnson, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The resignation of such a prominent figure has left the Tories in search of dynamic personalities capable of energizing supporters.
“It’s certainly true that the Tories are lacking big hitters — and have lacked big hitters for some time. Boris was the exception. Politics generally is worse off for not having big personalities,” the former adviser continued, emphasizing the dire need for engaging leaders.
With this leadership vacuum, speculation about Johnson’s potential return remains prevalent. However, questions arise concerning his true desire to re-enter the political arena, as friends speculate on his current contentment outside politics.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if he likes being asked to come back,” said Shadow Housing Secretary James Cleverly during a recent pub conversation. “But it would surprise me if he wanted to give up what I think is a very, very happy set of personal circumstances at the moment,” he added, indicating Johnson’s possible reluctance to step back into the tumult of political life.
