Boris Johnson must demonstrate, once and for all, he’s a fighter and not a quitter
IS Boris Johnson thinking of quitting as Prime Minister? There are rumblings at Westminster that he’s exhausted and no longer up to the job.
Just nine months ago, he secured a thumping election victory on a promise to deliver Brexit. Most Tory MPs, and much of the public, still back his hard-nosed bargaining stance.
As Britain insists on full sovereignty, Brussels is starting to buckle. Before leaving the EU in December we could yet strike a free trade deal.
Johnson’s big problems relate not to Brexit, but Covid. The virus nearly killed him and the physical and psychological impact must weigh heavy.
But while the March lockdown measures were widely accepted, the latest restrictions are causing convulsions — not least among his own MPs.
After the exams scandal, anger at the Rule of Six and new controls on retailers and universities, government backbenchers mutter Johnson is “beaten” and “not the force he was”.
Speculation is rising that once Brexit is done, he’ll quit early next year. Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan said last week: “He is lonely and ill . . . everything is piling up.”
Morgan said he “wouldn’t be surprised” if Johnson were to resign.
The Government is facing questions as to why we’re locking down again, after easing in July, when fatalities are so low. Surely the apparent rise in Covid cases is due to more testing?
As scientists rubbish the Government’s approach, MPs wonder if their leader understands the economic damage caused by more restrictions.
TOUGH WINTER
More than 40 have signed an amendment insisting Parliament votes on future lockdown measures, enough to inflict a government defeat.
Keir Starmer is a serious opponent. In his party conference speech, the Labour leader stressed patriotism and family values. He came across more early-Blair than post-Corbyn.
Johnson faces disquiet, too, in Cabinet. Rivals including Home Secretary Priti Patel and Chancellor Rishi Sunak are very worried about crushing Britain’s feeble recovery.
Sunak’s final line in last week’s Winter Economy Plan — “we must learn to live with this virus and live without fear” — could be seen as a statement lockdown has gone too far.
I don’t think Boris Johnson will resign. Underneath his dishevelled exterior, he’s sharp-minded and hard-working. He’s the most talented political communicator of his generation.
But we’re in for a tough winter of discontent. Even if full lockdown is avoided, the economy will struggle and unemployment will spike.
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Businesses need hope so where is Johnson’s vision of Britain’s bright post-Brexit future? Voters who backed him deserve answers.
Johnson could yet be a great PM but he needs now to show resilience, wisdom and, above all, leadership.
He must demonstrate, once and for all, he’s a fighter and not a quitter.
- Liam Halligan is a Economics Commentator
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