Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stirred the pot once again, this time with the release of his memoir titled Unleashed. This tell-all book seems to serve as more than just a collection of anecdotes and regrets; it's Johnson's attempt to reshape his public image following the controversies surrounding his premiership and the infamous Partygate scandal. The timing feels almost theatrical, as he navigates the delicate waters of political redemption and personal relationships.
The scandal-hit former Tory leader, who resigned as MP to avoid punishment for misleading Parliament, claims he is eager to clear the air about his time as the head of government, and he makes quite the spectacle of it. It's noteworthy how he chooses to position himself as the proverbial victim—echoing misconceptions and shortcomings he claims were exaggerated during his time as PM.
Among the many eyebrow-raising assertions made throughout the memoir is Johnson's retraction of his apology for the Partygate saga, where he faced backlash for attending gatherings during lockdowns. He refers to his prior admissions as ‘pathetic’ and ‘grovelling,’ insisting they inaccurately suggested he had been more culpable than he truly was. This can of worms he has chosen to open could very well reignite outrage among those who adhered to the hard guidelines during the pandemic.
Adding to his litany of farcical claims, Johnson recalls considering the wild notion of raiding a vaccine stockpile from the Netherlands back in March 2021. A bizarre thought, isn't it? He describes how he proposed convening military officials for the endeavor, even though he acknowledges the idea was “nuts.” Though the thought of British forces commandeering supplies intended for civilians abroad conjures images of espionage films, it raises serious questions about judgment and priorities during the crisis.
Naturally, no Johnson account would be complete without his characteristic barbs aimed at political opponents and personal rivals. He critiques figures like Theresa May and Emmanuel Macron, with peculiar observations about May’s appearance (of all things) and bake-offs of political strategy with Macron. The childlike banter feels more like schoolyard taunting than refined political discourse, leaving some readers scratching their heads about how such dialogues find their way to the pages of the memoir of a former leader.
Then there’s the claim involving the late Queen Elizabeth II. Johnson asserts she was suffering from bone cancer prior to her demise, directly contradicting official accounts stating her death was due to old age. Such candid remarks on royal matters could stir up discontent among royalists and history scholars alike, raising eyebrows about the veracity of his statements.
Not to be outdone by historical claims, Johnson relays what he calls his “manly pep talk” with Prince Harry, who was reportedly facing the prospect of giving up his royal duties. The notion of Boris Johnson giving heartfelt advice on matters of royal duty might sound ludicrous. The ex-PM himself acknowledged to the press how absurd the situation was, saying it was “totally hopeless.” One has to wonder what the royal family thought of such high-profile chats about loyalty and belonging.
To add even more weight to the drama, Johnson discusses allegations around his relationship with Baroness Charlotte Owen. Questions surrounding whether she is merely a competent advisor or something more personal will surely tantalize tabloids and gossip columns. After all, Owen's entry to the House of Lords at just 30 stirred speculation about favoritism. Johnson insisted during his interview on The Diary of a CEO podcast, "No, she is not my former lover" and clarified she is merely “a very capable advisor,” leaving fans of juicy politics unsatisfied.
And speaking of personal matters, there’s the question of how many children he has. Johnson stated he has eight, dismissing the confusion around the headcount. But let’s be real; with his penchant for clandestine affairs and shifting narratives, it feels like just another layer wrapped around the enigma of Boris Johnson.
Throughout the memoir, Johnson takes aim at political foes like Keir Starmer, likening his demeanor to something outlandish and crude, describing him humorously as “like a bullock with a thermometer up its rectum.” Such quips reveal the continued rivalry, albeit drenched with juvenile humor, which could undermine the seriousness with which many expect political commentary to be delivered.
Some might describe Unleashed as the last hurrah of Boris Johnson as he zigzags through the mishaps of his governance, trying to salvage his public persona with strange antics and half-hearted admissions. And yet, as he continues to tease at the idea of returning to the national political scene, one can’t help but wonder exactly what kind of political theater he believes he is heading for.
All this scandal and drama makes for good reading and undoubtedly stokes the flames of public intrigue. Whether this foray back onto the stage is born out of genuine introspection or mere nostalgia for glory days remains to be seen. At the end of the day, Johnson's pending decisions could have considerable ramifications not only for his own fortunes but also for political dynamics within the UK as he reignites old wounds and conflicts.
