Boris Johnson's legacy will be as great statesman

THERE are only two great prime ministers in the United Kingdom’s history whose time in office was short but who changed the nation fundamentally. The first was Pitt the Elder, the second was Boris Johnson.

- Jacob Rees-Mogg

Pitt realised the power of public opinion and in Dr Samuel Johnson’s words was “a minister given by the people to the King”, a favourable comparison with other prime ministers who were imposed by the King on the people.

Pitt won the Seven Years War, including great victories against the French, which made the UK a global power rather than a narrow European one.

Boris similarly knows the power of public opinion, which he appeals to in a way that other modern politicians do not. As George III was reluctant to accept Pitt, so Tory MPs showed themselves, foolishly, to be reluctant to be led by Johnson, another prime minister given by the people.

In a recent portrait of Johnson, unveiled at the Carlton Club, an uncharacteristically stern figure stares out determinately at the world. His arms are folded and a scowl covers his usually beneficent face. This shows an often overlooked part of Boris’s character.

He is a determined as well as a charismatic figure. This was shown in his leadership and as with Pitt his influence started long before he become prime minister and will extend for the rest of his life.