Mint Explainer: Why Boris Johnson’s dramatic exit is bad for UK PM Rishi Sunak

• After 15 years as an MP, including three as Prime Minister, Boris Johnson stepped down as MP. The former prime minister is under scrutiny for his actions during the Covid pandemic, during which Johnson held several gatherings at his official residence, in violation of the government’s own public-health guidelines. These scandals contributed to the downfall of his government. Johnson is also being investigated by a committee which is probing whether he misled the House of Commons over the allegations against him.
• Shortly after the committee’s final report was released, Johnson resigned, saying that a “witch hunt” was underway to avenge Brexit and ultimately reverse the result of the 2016 referendum.
• Johnson also had strong words for PM Rishi Sunak. “When I left office last year, the government was only a few points behind in the polls. That gap has now widened enormously. A few years after winning the largest majority in nearly half a century, that majority is now clearly at risk,” he said.
• Johnson was taking a dig at Sunak’s leadership of the Conservative Party, which is behind the opposition Labor Party in the polls and looks set to lose next year’s general election. Johnson led the party to a landslide victory in 2019.
• “Why have we so passively abandoned the possibility of a free trade agreement with the US? Have we canceled EU directives to help people with housing or measures to promote animal welfare?” the former PM said.
• Analysts believe this could spell trouble for Sunak for a number of reasons. Firstly, the relationship between the two men is not the easiest. Sunak’s resignation as Chancellor of the Exchequer marked the beginning of the collapse of Johnson’s government. Because of Johnson’s popularity among ordinary members of the Conservative Party, Sunak suffered greatly for his ‘betrayal’ in his two bids to become prime minister.
• The two clashed recently over Johnson’s willingness to bestow public honors on certain individuals. When an appointments commission refused Johnson’s request to withdraw, the former PM reportedly told Sunak to get over it. Sunak refused and has since publicly criticized Johnson about it. “When it comes to respect and Boris Johnson…. Boris Johnson asked me to do something I wasn’t prepared to do because I didn’t think it was right,” he said in a speech.
• Sunak now has to win a by-election with Johnson resigning, which won’t be easy. A defeat could prove embarrassing for the current PM. It also remains to be seen whether Johnson will stay out of politics for good. If he tries to criticize an already unpopular fad and turn voters against the government, the prime minister’s chances of winning the next general election may be further diminished.

Updated: June 13, 2023, 11:04 AM IST