Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (born 19 June 1964) is a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party from July 2019 to September 2022. Prior to becoming prime minister, he was Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (July 2018 – July 2019) and Mayor of London (May 2008 – May 2016). He has been a Member of Parliament (MP) for Uxbridge and South Ruislip since 2015, and previously served as MP for Henley (2001 – 2008).
Early life and education
Johnson was born in New York City to British parents; his father, Stanley Johnson, is a former Conservative MP and European Parliament member. He attended the European School, Brussels I, Ashdown House, and then Eton College. He studied Classics at Balliol College, Oxford, graduating with a Master of Arts degree. While at Oxford, he was elected president of the Oxford Union in 1986.
Journalism career
After university, Johnson worked as a journalist. He began at The Times but was dismissed for falsifying a source. He subsequently joined The Daily Telegraph as a correspondent in Brussels, later moving to The Spectator as an editor (1999–2005). He also authored several books, including a best‑selling biography of Winston Churchill (2002) and a satirical travelogue, The Frog Crown (1994).
Political career
- MP for Henley (2001‑2008): Johnson entered Parliament as a Conservative MP, serving on the Science and Technology Committee and the Treasury Select Committee. He gained notoriety for his flamboyant style and public commentary.
- Mayor of London (2008‑2016): Elected in 2008 and re‑elected in 2012, Johnson oversaw the 2012 Summer Olympics, introduced the public bicycle hire scheme ("Boris Bikes"), and promoted the "Let London Grow" transport plan. His tenure was marked by both infrastructure projects and controversies over public spending and alleged conflicts of interest.
- Brexit advocacy: Johnson became a prominent figure in the campaign for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union. He served as a leading voice for the "Leave" side during the 2016 referendum, arguing that Brexit would restore sovereignty and control over immigration.
- Foreign Secretary (2018‑2019): Appointed by Prime Minister Theresa May, Johnson's term involved managing the UK’s diplomatic relations during the final stages of the Brexit negotiation, as well as responding to crises such as the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and the Skripal poisoning incident.
- Prime Minister (2019‑2022): Johnson won the Conservative leadership contest in July 2019, succeeding May. His government secured a revised Brexit withdrawal agreement and led the UK out of the EU on 31 January 2020. His tenure also encompassed the COVID‑19 pandemic, during which his administration faced criticism over procurement processes, lockdown policies, and public messaging. In 2022, a series of political scandals—including the "Partygate" revelations concerning COVID‑related gatherings in Downing Street—led to loss of party confidence and his resignation as party leader in July 2022, after which he remained prime minister in a caretaker capacity until his successor, Liz Truss, took office in September 2022.
Post‑prime ministerial period
Johnson continues to serve as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip. He remains an influential figure within the Conservative Party and British public life, frequently contributing opinion pieces to newspapers and engaging in public speaking.
Personal life
Johnson married Marina Wheeler in 1993; the couple separated in 2018 and divorced in 2020. He married Carrie Johnson (née Symonds) in May 2021. He has five children. Johnson has a known history of dyslexia and has spoken publicly about his experiences with the condition.
Public perception and legacy
Assessments of Johnson’s impact vary. Supporters credit him with delivering Brexit and promoting infrastructure projects such as the London bicycle hire scheme. Critics highlight controversies over truthfulness, management of the COVID‑19 response, and alleged breaches of ministerial conduct. Scholarly evaluations continue to examine his role in reshaping British politics in the early 21st century.
