Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson
Ben Shread · OGL 3 · source
Name	Boris Johnson
Birth name	Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson
Birth date	1964-06-19
Birth place	New York City, New York, United States
Nationality	British
Alma mater	Eton College, Balliol College, Oxford
Occupation	Politics, Journalism, Author
Office	Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Term start	2019-07-24
Term end	2022-09-06

Boris Johnson (born Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson; 19 June 1964) is a British former Member of Parliament, Mayor of London, journalist, and author who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and leader of the Conservative Party from 2019 to 2022. A prominent figure in late 20th- and early 21st-century United Kingdom public life, he rose from elite schooling through a media career into high office, playing a central role in the Brexit process and national responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. His tenure provoked widespread debate across Parliament, the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats, and international partners including the European Union and United States.

Early life and education

Born in New York City to Stanley Johnson and Charlotte Fauré, he is descended from families linked to Turkey, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. He grew up between London and Brussels and attended European School, Brussels I before winning a place at Eton College, where he was a contemporary of figures associated with Conservative circles and met future colleagues from Oxford University. At Balliol College, Oxford, he read Classics and served as president of the Oxford Union. His student contemporaries included future politicians and journalists connected to The Sunday Telegraph, The Daily Telegraph, and The Spectator.

Journalism and media career

After university he joined The Times, later moving to The Daily Telegraph where he became noted for a column and for covering the European Union institutions in Brussels. He contributed to magazines such as The Spectator and held editorial roles that intersected with figures at The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, and The Independent. His journalism brought him into contact with editors and proprietors from News International and Associated Newspapers, and his reporting and columns led to disputes involving libel claims and corrections with institutions like The Guardian and legal actors in the High Court of Justice. He also authored books on Classical antiquity and political biographies linked to debates in British politics and commentary broadcast on networks including BBC and ITV.

Political career

Johnson served as the Member of Parliament for Henley from 2001 to 2008 before being elected Mayor of London in 2008, defeating contenders from the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats. His mayoralty involved engagement with projects including the 2012 Summer Olympics, transport initiatives with Transport for London, and relations with the Greater London Authority. Returning to Parliament in 2015 as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, he served as Foreign Secretary in the cabinet of Theresa May from 2016 to 2018. He was a leading figure in the Vote Leave campaign during the 2016 referendum and later challenged other Conservatives in the leadership contests that followed David Cameron and Theresa May.

Premiership (Prime Minister of the United Kingdom)

After winning the 2019 Conservative leadership election he became Prime Minister on 24 July 2019, succeeding Theresa May. His government negotiated a revised withdrawal agreement with the European Union and secured passage of a withdrawal bill that led to the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union in January 2020. His administration faced crises including the COVID-19 pandemic, during which policy actions involved the National Health Service, support measures debated in House of Commons votes, and coordination with devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. His premiership also navigated trade negotiations with the United States, diplomatic relations with China, and sanctions coordination with NATO allies. He resigned following a series of ministerial resignations and a leadership challenge that culminated in his replacement by Liz Truss.

Political positions and controversies

Johnson's positions combined aspects of Conservative Euroscepticism, rhetoric tied to Vote Leave, and appeals to voters in constituencies across England and Wales. His tenure attracted controversy over statements and policies scrutinized by bodies including the Electoral Commission, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. He faced criticism and investigations related to events at 10 Downing Street during COVID-19 restrictions, ethics inquiries concerning appointments and lobbying involving figures connected to Party donors and international business interests, and debates over prorogation with intervention from the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. His record prompted challenges from opposition parties including Labour, Scottish National Party, and Plaid Cymru, and drew commentary from international leaders such as the President of the United States and officials in the European Commission.

Personal life and honors

Born to a family with connections to Zagreb-linked branches and aristocratic lineages connected to Ottoman Empire-era families, he has been married and divorced and is a father with familial ties noted in society pages of outlets like Tatler and Vanity Fair. He has written books and received awards associated with literary and civic organizations including honours from institutions tied to City of London ceremonies. He holds honorary associations with colleges at University of Oxford and has been granted recognitions that intersect with lists of former holders of offices such as Mayor of London and former Foreign Secretaries.

Category:1964 births Category:Living people Category:British politicians Category:Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom