Economist Podcasts

Send out the clown: Boris agrees to go

Jul 7, 2022
Ed Carr, deputy editor at The Economist, discusses Boris Johnson's resignation and the turbulent political landscape in Britain. They delve into Johnson's controversial legacy, examining his initial successes against the backdrop of scandals and loss of public trust. The conversation shifts to the changing attitudes toward LGBT rights in Southeast Asia, illustrated by a heartfelt wedding in Anticola, and wraps up with a celebration of jazz, spotlighting Oscar Peterson at the Montreal Jazz Festival.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Johnson's Resignation

  • Boris Johnson resigned as Prime Minister after a series of scandals.
  • He initially resisted calls to step down, claiming it would be irresponsible amidst the war in Europe.
INSIGHT

The Final Straw

  • The final scandal involved Johnson's promotion of an MP accused of misconduct.
  • This, combined with past scandals like Partygate, eroded trust in his leadership.
INSIGHT

A Mixed Legacy

  • Johnson's legacy includes Brexit, the vaccine rollout, and support for Ukraine.
  • However, his politics have been criticized as corrosive due to his relationship with the truth.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app