Wild, Wild Westminster

Boris Johnson leaves behind a drifting economy and a damaged government; the next British prime minister has to be a repairman

- ANITA PRATAP

It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. Best, because Boris Johnson finally resigned as UK prime minister. Worst, because he lasted this long, damaging his high office, his Conservative Party and his country. “It would have been better for the country if the Johnson era had ended months ago,” said British newspapers. But Johnson hung on till the bitter end. British peer Camilla Cavendish derided: “Even when they left the revolver and bottle of whisky on the table, Boris Johnson couldn’t take the hint. Ministers could no longer stomach his rule. But the prime minister clung on, convinced they were jealous of his genius.”

After two tense days of fears that Johnson may attempt a Trump-style putsch, Britain’s 77th PM resigned. But only after an avalanche of resignations by ministers and top bureaucrats. Quipped Leader of Opposition Keir Starmer of the Labour Party: “The ships were deserting the rat.” Reviled by opponents and revered by fans, Johnson was colourful, cavalier, and controversial. He was also the most consequential British prime minister in recent times.

In 2019, he won the biggest election victory for the Tories in three decades. And then, for better or worse, he delivered on his promise to “Get Brexit Done”, and took his country out of the European Union in 2020. “He will go down as a significant prime minister, but not seen as good for the country. He never was any good at actually governing,” said Conservative politician David Lidington.