Speaking on the BBC’s Broadcasting House programme on 16 January, Alistair Lexden wondered if Boris Johnson would be tempted to try to get out of his difficulties by resigning as Conservative leader (while remaining as prime minister) and then seeking re-election, as John Major did in 1995. The risk of failure would be high, but the 1995 precedent suggests that his principal rivals for the leadership would be reluctant to resign from the cabinet in order to stand against him; an opponent of equivalent status to John Redwood in 1995 should be easily beaten. In the desperate situation which Johnson now faces, it might seem the best way of attempting to save himself. It is a possibility.
Boris Johnson will never come to be seen as a politician of conviction or principle. Nor is he capable of behaving with the dignity and decorum expected of a prime minister today. In his interview, Alistair Lexden suggested that Johnson would have been at home in the 18th century. Political corruption was not seen as shocking; prime ministers were not expected to implement programmes of reform to benefit the country. One can easily visualise Johnson in a full bottom wig with a silk waistcoat stretched tightly over his stomach, like Sir Robert Walpole.
Are there any similarities between him and later prime ministers? Alistair Lexden said he saw some resemblance to Disraeli, who led a rackety life as a young man and took up political causes to advance his own interests, but as a result of a happy, stable marriage and the conscientious discharge of his duties as Tory leader, he shed his reputation for irresponsibility. Lloyd George mocked the political conventions of his time and sold honours to finance his political work, but victory in war and a lifetime’s dedication to social improvement brought him the mantle of the statesman.
In an earlier interview, Alistair Lexden had described Theresa May as the worst Conservative leader. What did he think now? Johnson’s glaring faults and shortcomings are very different from hers, making it hard to reach a settled judgement. After contributing significantly to her difficulties, Johnson has been brought low by difficulties that are entirely of his own making. In one crucial area - probity - May wins hands down.
