Boris Johnson won two elections, finally orchestrated Brexit and acted decisively during the coronavirus pandemic. But because he thought he was out of touch, he must now step down as British Prime Minister. Afshin Ellian learned four years ago from the late British philosopher Roger Scruton what Johnson’s biggest trap was.
Prof. dr. Afshin Ellian (Tehran, 1966) is Encyclopedia Professor of Jurisprudence and Scientific Director of the Metajuridica Institute at the University of Leiden’s School of Law. He writes weekly about, among other things, Western ideals and cultural freedoms.
The tragedy of political breakdown is slowly emerging on the scene. In solitude, the politician left the stage. Political fallout also has its own logic. Boris Johnson, British Prodigyhas retired.
No one is born a political leader. Political leaders are shaped by political practices. Practice makes perfect. Still, you have to have certain qualities before you can become a political leader. Political technique of speaking, or rhetoric, is one of those qualities that you must have. Also being willing and able to listen to opponents and allies is an important characteristic of a political leader. In addition, a political leader must learn the necessary political virtues. What’s missing from Boris Johnson?
Johnson enjoys voter support and won the election twice
Lady Fortune never let Johnson down. He enjoyed the support of the electorate: he won the election twice. The first election is for mayor of London. Millions of Londoners trust him to lead their city. He didn’t do badly.
But being the political and administrative leader of a metropolis is different from being the leader of a country. An example is former mayor and former PvdA leader Job Cohen. He could preside over the Amsterdam city council, but accidentally thought he could also be prime minister, ie. national political leader. The last one was a bridge too far for him.
Boris Johnson’s second election win is unique and historic. In 2019, millions of Britons entrust him with rule over Great Britain. In this House of Commons election, Johnson made a big profit for his Conservative Party. With 365 of 650 seats, it recorded its biggest win for the Conservatives since 1987. Labor, on the other hand, recorded its biggest loss since the 1920s. It was a low point in the history of the Labor Party led by anti-Semitism accuser Jeremy Corbyn. With the motto ‘Get Brexit doneJohnson ordered to immediately organize Brexit.
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