modelcampusa.com – Boris Johnson’s tenure as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom was inextricably linked with Brexit—the UK’s decision to leave the European Union (EU). As one of the most prominent figures in the Leave campaign, Johnson’s role in the Brexit referendum of 2016 was a defining moment of his political career, and it had far-reaching consequences for both his leadership and the future of the UK. This article delves into Boris Johnson’s time as Prime Minister during the Brexit process, his influence on the referendum, and the legacy of his premiership amid the Brexit upheaval.
The Context of Boris Johnson’s Premiership
1. Boris Johnson’s Rise to Power
Before becoming Prime Minister in 2019, Boris Johnson had a long and storied political career. He was known for his charismatic and often controversial style, having served as Mayor of London from 2008 to 2016 and as Foreign Secretary from 2016 to 2018. His political ascent was also closely tied to his outspoken leadership during the Brexit referendum in 2016.
Johnson was one of the most recognizable figures in the Vote Leave campaign, advocating for the UK’s departure from the EU. His populist rhetoric, often focused on reclaiming British sovereignty and reducing immigration, resonated with many voters, and he became the face of the Brexit movement. His campaign slogan—“Take back control”—captured the essence of his vision for a post-EU Britain.
Despite his status as a prominent Brexit advocate, Johnson did not initially support the referendum. As a Member of Parliament (MP) and Mayor of London, he had been more ambivalent about the UK’s membership in the EU, but he eventually threw his weight behind the Leave campaign, which proved to be a pivotal moment in British politics.
2. Brexit Referendum (2016)
The UK’s decision to hold a referendum on its membership in the European Union came in the wake of increasing public discontent with the EU, particularly over issues like immigration and sovereignty. Prime Minister David Cameron, seeking to address the concerns of the Eurosceptic wing of his Conservative Party, promised the referendum, which was held on June 23, 2016.
Boris Johnson became one of the leading figures in the Vote Leave campaign, alongside other prominent politicians, including Michael Gove and Nigel Farage. Johnson’s campaign focused on themes such as reclaiming Britain’s sovereignty, regaining control over its borders, and reducing the influence of Brussels on British politics. He argued that the UK would be better off economically and politically outside of the EU, able to strike its own trade deals and make decisions without being constrained by EU regulations.
The referendum, however, was a deeply divisive event in British society, with voters split between those who wanted to remain in the EU and those who favored leaving. On the day of the vote, 51.9% of voters chose to leave, while 48.1% voted to remain. The results of the referendum sent shockwaves through the political establishment, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron and the beginning of a protracted and contentious process to implement the decision to leave.
3. Johnson’s Path to Prime Minister
Following the Brexit referendum, Cameron’s resignation left the Conservative Party in need of new leadership. Johnson, having been a key player in the Leave campaign, emerged as a potential successor. However, he faced stiff competition from Theresa May, who was seen as a more cautious figure but someone who was viewed as capable of steering the country through the Brexit process.
Despite his popularity among the party’s more Eurosceptic members, Johnson did not initially secure the necessary backing within the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister. Theresa May was chosen as leader of the Conservative Party in July 2016, and she became the new Prime Minister.
Johnson, who had served as Foreign Secretary under May’s leadership, eventually resigned from the position in 2018 due to his opposition to her handling of the Brexit negotiations. His resignation marked a pivotal moment in the Brexit saga and laid the foundation for his eventual return to the leadership of the Conservative Party.
In 2019, amid growing frustration over the lack of progress on Brexit, May resigned as Prime Minister. Boris Johnson successfully campaigned for the leadership of the Conservative Party, positioning himself as the only candidate who could deliver Brexit. He became Prime Minister on July 24, 2019, with the promise to take the UK out of the EU by the deadline of October 31, 2019, “do or die.”
Boris Johnson’s Leadership During Brexit
1. Securing a New Brexit Deal
One of Boris Johnson’s first acts as Prime Minister was to renegotiate the terms of the UK’s departure from the European Union. Johnson had been a vocal critic of the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated by his predecessor, Theresa May, arguing that it was too soft on the EU and failed to deliver on the promises made by the Leave campaign.
Under his leadership, the UK entered a new round of talks with the EU. In October 2019, after weeks of intense negotiations, Johnson succeeded in securing a revised deal with the European Union, which addressed some of the key concerns raised by the Brexiteers in his party.
The key changes in Johnson’s deal included provisions on the Irish border, which had been a major sticking point in previous negotiations. The revised deal included a plan to keep Northern Ireland in a special arrangement, effectively creating a customs border between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. This was designed to avoid the creation of a hard border on the island of Ireland, in keeping with the Good Friday Agreement that had brought peace to Northern Ireland.
The new deal also included a timetable for the UK’s departure, with October 31, 2019, set as the new deadline for Brexit. However, Johnson’s deal still faced significant opposition in Parliament, especially from those who believed it did not go far enough in delivering on the promises of a clean break with the EU.
2. The General Election of 2019
With his Brexit deal stalled in Parliament, Boris Johnson called for a snap general election in December 2019, hoping to secure a mandate from the British public to push through his Brexit plans. The election, which was held on December 12, 2019, was a decisive victory for Johnson and the Conservative Party. The Conservatives secured a landslide win, gaining 365 seats in the House of Commons and increasing their majority.
Johnson’s campaign focused on the slogan “Get Brexit Done”, promising that a victory for the Conservative Party would finally end the political gridlock surrounding Brexit. The election result was a resounding endorsement of Johnson’s leadership and his pledge to take the UK out of the European Union.
In the aftermath of the election, Johnson was able to push his revised Brexit deal through Parliament. On January 31, 2020, the UK officially left the European Union, ending 47 years of membership.
3. The COVID-19 Pandemic
While Brexit dominated the early part of Johnson’s premiership, his leadership was soon tested by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. The pandemic, which caused widespread disruption and loss of life, became the defining global crisis of Johnson’s tenure. The government’s response to the pandemic, including lockdowns, social distancing measures, and the rollout of vaccines, became central to his leadership during the latter part of his time in office.
Though Johnson faced criticism for his handling of the early stages of the pandemic, particularly in terms of delaying lockdowns and struggling with testing capacity, the UK eventually became one of the leaders in vaccine development and distribution. The pandemic tested Johnson’s leadership in unprecedented ways, shifting the focus of his premiership away from Brexit and onto the public health crisis.
Legacy of Boris Johnson’s Premiership During Brexit
Boris Johnson’s time as Prime Minister during Brexit will be remembered as one of the most transformative periods in modern British political history. His leadership was pivotal in delivering the UK’s exit from the European Union, a process that had divided the nation and its political establishment for years.
Johnson’s approach to Brexit was characterized by boldness, decisiveness, and a willingness to challenge the traditional political establishment. He successfully renegotiated the terms of the UK’s departure from the EU, securing a deal that was more in line with the desires of the Leave camp. His ability to win the 2019 general election was a key moment in his premiership, allowing him to break through the political deadlock and fulfill his promise to “Get Brexit Done.”
However, Johnson’s leadership also faced significant challenges. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, his controversial approach to governance, and his divisive personality contributed to both his successes and his controversies. As Prime Minister, he navigated the UK through one of its most turbulent periods, but the long-term consequences of Brexit—economic, political, and social—will continue to unfold for years to come.
Boris Johnson’s legacy as Prime Minister during Brexit is one of bold decisions, dramatic shifts in policy, and a nation divided over its future relationship with Europe. While his leadership brought an end to the Brexit impasse, it also opened the door to a new era of uncertainty and change for the United Kingdom.