Exploring Boris Johnson's journey from a Remainer to a Brexit supporter, his questionable promises, and the chaos that led him to become Prime Minister. The podcast also delves into controversies like asylum seekers' relocation, clashes between the royal family and the government, and challenges faced post-Brexit regarding leadership and credibility.
Boris Johnson's unexpected shift from a pro-European stance to leading the Leave campaign showed his adaptability and political ambition.
Boris Johnson's struggles post-Brexit, particularly regarding immigration policies and internal government conflicts, shed light on the challenges of fulfilling campaign promises and managing post-Brexit repercussions.
Deep dives
Boris Johnson's Brexit Decision
Boris Johnson's pivotal decision to advocate for leaving the EU surprised many, considering his cultural and intellectual pro-European background. Despite being initially unsure about which side to support, Johnson ultimately joined the Leave campaign, aligning himself with the controversial figure Dominic Cummings. Their collaborative efforts led to the successful Brexit vote, drastically impacting UK politics and Johnson's leadership.
Challenges of Brexit Implementation
Following Brexit, Boris Johnson faced challenges in fulfilling promises made during the campaign. The issue of immigration, a core Brexit concern, highlighted by recurring illegal migrant crossings, tested the government's credibility and ability to control borders. The controversial policy of deporting migrants to Rwanda stirred significant debate, questioning the ethical and practical aspects of such actions.
Internal Struggles and Policy Changes
Internal tensions within the UK government, notably between Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, intensified post-Brexit. Sunak's assertive approach in dismantling EU regulations clashed with Johnson's vision, leading to a showdown. Amidst significant legislative changes and disagreements, including implications for employment rights and EU-derived laws, the government grappled with the impact of Brexit.
Amidst Turbulence and Resignations
As the aftermath of Brexit unfolded, Boris Johnson faced increasing scrutiny and internal dissent. The fallout from his decisions, including alleged misinformation during campaigns and implementation challenges, began to unravel his government. The podcast foreshadows Johnson's impending downfall, marked by Rishi Sunak's resignation and the subsequent political turmoil within his administration.
Even those closest to Boris thought he was a Remainer. He liked to flirt with Eurosceptic views but had always been open about the benefits of remaining a member of the European Union.
And then Guto gets a call from Boris's sister - "Boris is about to do something really stupid, you're the only one in the world I can think of who can stop him."
Boris joined forces with Vote Leave and supported Brexit. But did he really understand the world he'd be drawn into?
From the questionable promises made, to the tribe of people he became stuck with, Brexit propelled Boris Johnson to become the Prime Minister - but it was a house built on sand.
Guto takes us through this unique, unrepeatable, and fast-moving time. He takes us into Number 10, a peek behind the curtain to see what really happened in a period that encapsulated Boris's rise to the very top of Government, to the chaos and scandals that would ultimately be his downfall.
Archive credits
1. PA Media
2. LBC / Global
3. 10 Downing Street / YouTube
4. Parliament Live TV
5. The Commonwealth / YouTube
6. Politics South East / BBC Sunday Politics
7. European Parliament Multimedia Centre / europa.eu
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