In a candid reflection on the tumultuous political landscape of recent years, Boris Johnson’s former aide, Sir Conor Burns, has disclosed the ex-Prime Minister’s less-than-flattering views of his predecessor, Theresa May. This revelation stems from a forthcoming book by Sir Anthony Seldon, entitled *The Brexit Effect*, which examines the decade since the Brexit referendum and provides a unique insight into the dynamics within the Conservative Party.
Unveiling Contempt: Johnson’s Harsh Critique
Boris Johnson, who succeeded Theresa May as Prime Minister in 2019, has not held back in his criticism of her leadership. Sir Conor Burns, who served as a close adviser and parliamentary private secretary to Johnson, recounts Johnson’s vivid metaphor comparing May to a “giant yucca tree under whose shade everything dies.” This stark imagery encapsulates Johnson’s belief that May’s leadership stifled political vitality and innovation within the party.
The former aide also sheds light on Johnson’s reaction to May’s decision to call a snap general election in 2017, which he described as a potential “disaster”. Johnson’s private musings, as recalled by Burns, reveal a profound skepticism about May’s appeal: “What the f*** happens when the public sees her?” The comments highlight Johnson’s perception that May’s carefully curated image of being “strong and stable” was at odds with the reality perceived by their political peers.
The Politics of Promotion and Rivalry
Burns elaborates on May’s appointment of Johnson as Foreign Secretary following her narrow election victory in 2017. Rather than viewing this as a straightforward promotion, he suggests that it was a strategic move aimed at undermining Johnson. Burns asserts, “It was a brilliant shafting of a rival,” indicating that May intended to place Johnson in a position where he could be scrutinised on the global stage—a risky endeavour for a leader with questionable public support.
In *The Brexit Effect*, Burns describes May as a “stunningly stupid blank canvas” and suggests that Johnson’s early predictions about her electoral strategy were prescient. The dynamics of their relationship illustrate a broader theme of internal conflict within the Conservative Party, particularly among its Brexit supporters, with Burns noting the palpable tension between factions loyal to Johnson and those aligned with Michael Gove.
The Complicated Legacy of Johnson’s Leadership
While Sir Conor Burns expresses unwavering loyalty to Johnson, he does not shy away from critiquing his leadership style. He highlights Johnson’s reliance on controversial adviser Dominic Cummings, arguing that it stemmed from a lack of confidence in his own abilities to navigate the complexities of Brexit independently. “Boris hates conflict… There is no way he would have had the gumption to prorogue parliament or withdraw the whip from so many MPs without Cummings at his side,” Burns writes, illustrating the complicated power dynamics at play in Johnson’s administration.
Burns also raises concerns regarding Johnson’s appointments, labelling several as flawed, including that of Simon Case as cabinet secretary. He argues that Case’s background as a royal aide did not equip him for the demands of leading the civil service, stating, “Picking frocks for the Duchess of Cambridge was in a different league from heading the civil service.”
The Fallout of Political Alliances
The book further delves into the fractious relationships within Johnson’s government, exposing animosities and divisions among key figures. Burns describes tensions between Johnson and his deputy at the Foreign Office, Sir Alan Duncan, who reportedly harboured disdain for Johnson’s leadership style. The narrative also touches on the infighting among Brexit proponents, with figures like Sir Bernard Jenkin described as “knucklehead Brexiteers” who bore a grudge against Johnson for his late entry into the anti-EU campaign.
Even in matters of potential succession, Burns recounts that Johnson was “very close to sacking” Liz Truss, citing her constant manoeuvring as a source of irritation. The portrayal of Truss and other Tory figures underscores the multifaceted challenges Johnson faced as Prime Minister, navigating a web of alliances, rivalries, and personal grievances.
Why it Matters
The insights provided by Sir Conor Burns not only illuminate the fraught relationships within the Conservative Party but also serve as a stark reminder of the political volatility that has characterised British politics in the wake of Brexit. As the country grapples with its post-Brexit identity and relationships with Europe, understanding these internal dynamics is crucial for comprehending the challenges that lie ahead. The revelations about Johnson’s leadership style and the perceptions of his predecessors highlight the ongoing struggle for direction within a party at a crossroads, making the forthcoming *The Brexit Effect* an essential read for anyone invested in the future of British politics.
