Emotionless Boris Johnson tried to channel his idol Winston Churchill and avoided using the word "resign" to present a "more dignified" version of himself, a body language expert said.
Darren Stanton said the outgoing PM said it was clear that he hadn't wanted to quit, but tried to appear "stoic" on the steps of Downing Street.
He did not show any signs of being upset, unlike previous Prime Ministers such as Theresa May, who cried as she announced her time was up in 2019.
Darren, on behalf of Slingo, reveals Boris’ attempt to present himself as ‘stoic and solemn’ as he showed a different side to his character, but verbally reinforced resigning wasn’t a move he wanted to make.
He said: “It was a very different style of delivery from him today, Boris was far less animated in his body language - instead presenting himself as stoic and still.
“Generally with Boris we see this very larger-than-life character, who tries to present with humour and plenty of animation. What we saw today, however, was a much more dignified version of Boris.
"It’s a great shame that this is the first time we have seen this version of him, delivering his sentiment with an almost solemn delivery.”
He said the lack of emotion shown by the current incumbent at Number 10 was significant.
“Unlike previous PM’s, like Theresa May, who became very emotional - she began to cry and her voice cracked - when she delivered her resignation, we saw no such emotion in Boris," he said.
"There were no emotional shifts in his physiology and micro-expressions of sadness were absent from his face throughout his speech.
“We know one of his idols is Winston Churchill and it was almost like he attempted to adopt the same ‘stiff upper lip’ mindset in order to deliver his final message to the British public.”
And it was clear that today's announcement wasn't one he hoped to make, Darren stated.
He said: “Interestingly, Boris never officially said the words ‘I resign as Prime Minister’ in his speech, instead revealing how he will remain as a leader until a new PM is appointed - a clear sign that this isn’t the decision he wanted to make.
“Showing humility and gratefulness to the public for allowing him to serve in this role showed a side to Boris’ character that we rarely got to see throughout his time in office. From a non-verbal perspective, through his body language, he conducted himself with great dignity and gravitas.
“Boris was surprisingly calm throughout his speech. He remained composed and largely unfazed as he received a mixed reaction from the crowds gathered.
"It’s clear he wanted to stay in position as PM, but has finally grasped the fact he wasn’t going to survive this situation and emotionally portrayed forced acceptance. Whether this was a new strategy or a sign he has finally accepted his fate, only time will tell.”
