City
Epaper

The making, unmaking, making and more of Boris Johnson (Book Review)

By IANS | Updated: September 20, 2019 17:55 IST

It is almost two months that Boris Johnson has been the Prime Minister of Britain. But what was his career like in the initial years of politics and how did he rise in the Conservative Party? These details have been penned down by a veteran journalist Andrew W Gimson in a book.

Open in App

The book "Boris, The Making of the Prime Minister" (Simon and Schuster), first published in 2006 and updated in 2016, however, is outdated considering that it misses out on the latest part of his career and stops at his appointment as the British Foreign Secretary.

This is not to detract from Gimson's paintstaking portrayal of Johnson's early years, his first steps in politics, his rise in the Conservative Party to lead the Brexit campaign, the "treachery" that dashed his hopes of becoming the Prime Minister post the Brexit vote and his bouncing back as the Foreign Secretary.

The updated version tracks Johnson's eight years as Mayor of London from 2008 to 2016, during which time the London Olympics were held in 2012.

"It's all rubbish from start to finish - but well-written rubbish," Johnson said of the book when the first edition was released.

He went even further in a signed copy for one of Gimson's godchildren:

"The book is all wrong!

"Ignore everything within.

"Best wishes,

"Boris Johnson

"P.S. It's Balls."

To put this in perspective, the book provides some telling insights into the way Johnson's mind works.

"Boris found himself trapped in the role of a celebrity. Without ever holding a political office of any significance, he had become more famous than most Cabinet ministers, but was also considered more irresponsible. There was a danger that he would turn into a kind of national treasure, to be wheeled out and laughed at on significant occasions, or occasions which television producers regarded as significant.

"One of his weaknesses is an excessive desire to be liked, and he will be hurt if he doesn't come across as likeable in this book. Another flaw is his inability or obdurate unwillingness to make choices which would entail a degree of self-sacrifice. Asked if he would like A or B, he generally gives no clear answer and tries to have both.

"He detracts our attention from his evasiveness by telling very enjoyable jokes, which along with his Woosterish persona, have made him one of the most popular performers of our times. But the jokes can often make him seem to serious-minded listeners as if he does not believe a word of what he is saying," Gimson writes.

In fact, on the A&B aspect, the author says that over the weekend before he announced his line on Brexit, Johnson spent time in the country and wrote two papers: One to Stay and the other to Leave, with the former stating a stronger case.

Why then, did Johnson choose the Leave option? Because had the referendum resulted in a Stay verdict, so would have David Cameroon as the Prime Minister, putting paid to his chances of rising to the top job.

Even so, the last chapter of this book is yet to be written.

(Vishnu Makhijani can be reached at vishnu.makhijani@.in)

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: Boris JohnsonGimsonLondonSimon
Open in App

Related Stories

CricketENG vs IND 5th Test Weather Forecast: Will Rain Play Spoilsport on Day 3 of England vs India at Oval in London? (VIDEO)

CricketENG vs IND 5th Test Weather Forecast: Will Rain Play Spoilsport on Day 2 of England vs India at Oval in London?

EntertainmentRakul Preet Singh Jets Off to London for Final Schedule of De De Pyaar De 2

Cricket'Dhoni Bhai Backed Me': Shikhar Dhawan Says Former India Captain Supported Him Early in His Career (Watch)

EntertainmentFan Spotted Following Akshay Kumar During His Family Vacation in London Here's What Happened Next (Watch Video)

National Realted Stories

National‘Gangrape’ of minor girl in Mumbai, one arrested

NationalDespite tough terrain, Nagaland making steady progress in transforming education infra: CM Rio

NationalTN: 'Aadi Perukku' festival tomorrow; Sub-Registrar offices to remain shut despite surge in registration demand

NationalMaha: Mumbai registers first FIR for feeding pigeons

NationalBhupesh Baghel moves SC, challenges CBI-ED jurisdiction in multi-crore liquor scam probe