Case Study: Boris Johnson

Question 1

Why was the beginning of Boris Johnson’s prime ministership difficult?

Answer 1

1. He inherited a minority Conservative administration from Theresa May.
2. Also inherited a rump of pro-European Conservatives MPs determined to make it as difficult as possible for the PM to risk a ‘no deal Brexit’
3. Labour opposition was also energised, following its strong showing in the 2017 GE.
4. The Supreme Court and the HoL challenged his authority further.

Question 2

Pre general election in 2019:

Answer 2

1. 3 September 2019, the HoC seized control of government business and on 4 September legislated to stop a ‘no deal Brexit.’
2. 24/09/2019 SC declared that his prorogation had been illegal and he must recall it.
3. Failed to win parliamentary approval for an early general election 3 times under the FTPA.
4. The HoC eventually agreed to an early GE on 29/10/2019

Question 3

General Election:

Answer 3

1. In the Dec 2019 GE, Johnson ran a highly personal ‘Get Brexit Done’ campaign and secured an 80 seat majority.
2. Labour achieved an 80-seat parliamentary majority.
3. Most Conservative pro-European opponents of the PM didn’t stand or (Amer Rudd and Kenneth Clarke) or lost their seats (Dominic Grieve)

Question 4

Why was his authority was further increased?

Answer 4

1. A new cohort of Conservative MPs for former Labour ‘Red Wall’ seats owed a personal debt of loyalty to the PM for their victories.
2. Could exert much more authority during his second administration than his first.

Question 5

Boris Johnson Peak:

Answer 5

1. Defined his second administration as one which would ‘level up’ the nation.
2. In 2021, he renamed the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government to the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities
3. Covid-19 increased his authority as his regular speeches and updates provided a sense of connection between the PM and the nation.
4. Johnson’s resolute support of Ukraine when it was invaded by Russian forces in 2022 added to his reputation for strong leadership.

Question 6

Boris Johnson: Fall

Answer 6

1. 2022 media allegations of illegal lockdown parties at Downing Street.
2. 25/05/2022 Sue Gray report on the No.10 parties was highly critical of DS stating the public had the ‘right to expect the very highest standards of behaviour.’
3. On 6 June, 41% CMPs voted against him in a vote of no confidence.
4. The resignations of the chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak and the health secretary Sajid Javid on the 5 July.
5. Forced to resigned on the 7 July 2022

Question 7

Boris Johnson as a ‘Celebrity’:

Answer 7

1. He cultivated his ‘celebrity’ media personality whilst he was mayor of London and foreign secretary.
2. Gave him appeal far beyond most prime ministers.
3. His reliance on the policy unit and the cabinet office for strategic advice and control indicated his preference for presidential politics.

Question 8

Making Decisions away from Cabinet:

Answer 8

1. The Cabinet was side-lined as a result of the social distancing measures. Key decisions were reportedly taken by an inner
   core of four – Johnson, Sunak, Gove and Hancock (later Javid).

Question 9

Chris Pincher:

Answer 9

The final straw was Johnson’s evasive response when questioned about the appointment as deputy chief whip of
Chris Pincher, an individual who faced allegations of sexual misconduct.