Could Boris' Bold Vision For Britain Be His Finest Hour?

‘He outlined a formidable project that could refashion the fabric of Britain’

- Leo McKinstry

Prior to his electrifying speech in Manchester yesterday, there had been whispers behind the scenes at the Tory Party conference that all was not well with the Prime Minister. He was said to be subdued, even tetchy, prompting one veteran insider to declare that “something is not right”.

All such concerns were banished by a barnstorming speech.

With his unorthodox mix of humour, poetry, insight, optimism and inspiration, he proved why he remains the dominant figure in British politics.

Due to Covid, this was the first time he had addressed the conference in person since his sweeping victory in the 2019 General Election. He could not have made a more exhilarating comeback or set out a bolder vision for his Government.

Boris Johnson is not a smooth orator in the mould of Tony Blair or William Hague. Nor does he have the sledgehammer certainty that characterised Margaret Thatcher.

But in his own unique style, he is a captivating speaker when on his finest form. His imagination is as vivid as his language. Only a speech by Boris could refer to the “cobwebbed attic of my memories” after a lyrical passage about the 18th century poet Thomas Gray.