In a recent interview, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson claimed that his removal as Conservative Party leader in 2022 was a “terrible mistake.” He attributed his downfall to what he described as an “outbreak of irrationality” within the party and argued that the decision to oust him was a “wrong calculation,” especially as the Conservatives now face significant challenges in opposition.
Reflecting on his leadership, Johnson pointed to the 80-seat majority that the Conservatives secured in the 2019 general election, contrasting this success with the party’s current struggles under new leadership. When asked directly whether his removal was a mistake, Johnson replied: “Yes, I think it was, and I think it was a goof.”
Johnson’s resignation was caused by a series of scandals, including the highly publicised Partygate affair, which involved illegal gatherings at Downing Street during the COVID-19 lockdown, and the Chris Pincher controversy. These incidents led to mass resignations from his Cabinet.
Johnson has since expressed regret over his handling of Partygate. In his upcoming memoir, Unleashed, Johnson retracts his initial apology for the scandal, describing his response at the time as “pathetic” and “grovelling.” He now believes the controversy was exaggerated and that his apology only served to intensify public anger. “I regret apologising,” he admitted, adding that officials working under intense pressure during the pandemic were unfairly targeted.
In a separate interview with ITV News, Johnson defended his position, stating that while he understood the public’s frustration, much of the criticism he faced was unjustified. He noted that the blanket apology he issued had worsened the situation, making it more difficult to manage the fallout from the scandal.
Looking forward, Johnson reflected on his successors, arguing that his removal was unjustified. He suggested that neither Rishi Sunak nor Liz Truss had been able to build on the achievements of his tenure. Sunak’s leadership has been marked by one of the poorest performances for the Conservative Party, leading to the end of 14 years of Conservative rule. Johnson’s reflections come at a critical moment for the party, which is grappling with internal divisions and the challenge of rebuilding its reputation.
