What is the problem with Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson?

He is not everyone’s idea of perfection; indeed, he is not mine. He has more than his fair share of political and media detractors; but no one can reasonably doubt his success as it speaks for itself: Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party since 2019. He was Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs from 2016 to 2018 and Mayor of London from 2008 to 2016.

So, what’s the issue?

His somewhat tangential relationship to the truth and fact when the situation requires? How many politicians does that hat fit when they are not in self-righteous mode in front of the media?

If mendacity was truly an absolute disqualification from office Westminster would be a rather desolate place

Clearly, he has made many enemies not least over Brexit and party management. His approach does seem at odds with that of what has become an increasingly identify kit Westminster political community.

“Party Gate” has given the chasing pack meat to chew that adherence to a more considered political playbook would have avoided throwing and equally clearly his supporting cast is sub-par with its members seeming to display little connection to the real world outside their social media bubble. But, if he is to be deposed from office for his failings to meet the ethicalness of the Westminster Pack its surely sensible before doing so to hold a clear view as to who will replace him and be able to articulate to the public at large a believable answer to the question - who can stand in his shoes, communicate and connect so as to deliver both the electorates demands for results that benefit them in their lived lifes and Statesmanship able to lead on Ukraine from the available “talent pool”?

Who else could be handed the current lemons of political life to deal with and deliver electoral lemonade?

As the last election confirmed the expectations of the Westminster Village, vocal media and twitter groups do not represent or aline with wider public views as to the best interests of the Country.

Would you want Labour (in coalition with the Liberals and/or SDP?) in power with a major European war threatening both regional and global stability, two thirds of the public sector still working from home most of the week dispite all COVID restrictions having been lifted, a national debt that, thanks to COVID, currently costs some £48 billion a year to service – not repay - that’s a cost approaching 8% of total Government tax receipts and better than half the value of the total UK education budget … none of which opposition parties can claim to have offered credible answers to - and on top of this a (stag)flation and cost of living crisis is building. A situation to which credable Opposition answers seem to be lacking.

Do you see Starmer as PM? Do you see him walking the war damaged streets of Kyiv or holding the attention of the World? If so name five more labour politicians who you would grant high office to? For simplicity of thought maybe just name five MPs from any party you would make first choice holders of the Offices of State?

If the pond has so few quality fish swimming in it is it wise to take out the largest most recognised specimen?

What of the following would not sit comfortably as a eulogy to the political passing of Johnson in the text below?

“Politician, Journalist, Writer, novelist and bon viveur, a man with many interests, but is it as a Conservative politician that he achieves lasting fame. As Prime Minister he initiated a wide range of legislation and articulated the need to improve opportunities and the life of working people. Acknowledged to be a brilliant debater, considered by some a. Dandy and social climber, he often behaved as if politics was merely a conduit to a more interesting life rather than an intellectual vocation.

As a politician he had the ability to develop a remarkable rapport thanks to his charm and skilful flattery. An influential voice in world affairs, he held a central role in the creation of the modern Conservative Party, defining its policies and its broad outreach. His lieutenants were uninspiring. The official leader hold little public standing.

It is reasonable for him to declare, “I have climbed to the top of the greasy pole”…. “I love fame; I love public reputation; I love to live in the eyes of the country; and it is a glorious thing for a man to do…”

But the fact is that I am referring not to the acheivements and political highs of Boris Johnson but to the life and achievements of a different Tory, one that history has treated with respect and due recognition of achievements made; a Tory by the name of Benjamin Disraeli, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield, KG, PC, DL, JP, FRS. and I do so using The Britannica, Parliamentary Website, Blakes biography and other accepted and respected publications as quoted sources of the words used.

As a further comparison - change Disrali to Johnson in this quoted passage - need to change anything beyond the name for it to fit the man?;

" Just how Disraeli became head of the Conservative party is something of a mystery. His flamboyant personality may not have been too much of a handicap but the party can hardly have approved of the persistent instability of his financial affairs, and some of its members openly sneered at his writings"

With this in mind I ask you to consider and honestly answer this question: Is the core problem the floors in the character of Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson or is it the banality and grey unengaging character of the current main body of self serving political actors?

I suggest that the real problem is not Johnson’s failings be they real, assumed or a created image of the man. I suggest the substantive problem lies in a collective lack of ability, and of the imagination, to recognise and tolerate difference and deviation from the group think norms of the chattering classes that today hold the reins of power.

The fact is that if he is forced out of office at this point in time the political world will be poorer without Johnson. We should have the ability and grace to recognise his achievements and at the very least a credible plan for who and what vision, is to replace him before he is dethroned