Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Comment
Max Hastings

Who should be prime minister? Anyone but Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson arrives in Stockholm, 11 May 2022.
‘In the harsh economic times ahead, Boris Johnson’s inability even to simulate compassion will intensify the government’s unpopularity.’ The prime minister arrives in Stockholm, 11 May 2022. Photograph: Frank Augstein/AP

An elderly shires Tory enthused last month: “Boris is the man for the hour! He has delivered Brexit, vaccinations, and now arms for Ukraine. He gets things done!” Having myself only voted Conservative once since 1992, in 2010, I found it tough to embrace this proposition.

Yet it is useful to be reminded how many Tory foot soldiers still root for Johnson, even passionately so. Instead of the morally debased figure that many of us recognise, they see simply a prime minister who they still believe can keep out Labour, the only outcome about which they care a toot.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.