Premiership of Boris Johnson

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the events of Boris Johnson's tenure as Prime Minister. For the people in Boris Johnson's administrations, see First Johnson ministry and Second Johnson ministry.
Boris Johnson
Premiership of Boris Johnson
24 July 2019 – present
Monarch
Elizabeth II
Boris Johnson
Cabinet
PartyConservative
Election2019
Seat10 Downing Street
Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom (HM Government).svg

Coat of arms of HM Government
Boris Johnson official portrait (cropped).jpg
This article is part of
a series about
Boris Johnson
Mayor of London
European Union referendum
Foreign Secretary
Party leadership campaign
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
First ministry and term
Second ministry and term

Boris Johnson's signature
  • v
  • t

The premiership of Boris Johnson began on 24 July 2019 when Johnson accepted Queen Elizabeth II's invitation, at her prerogative, to form a new administration. It followed the resignation of Theresa May, who stood down as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party following Parliament's repeated rejection of her Brexit withdrawal agreement. Johnson was declared leader after the results of the leadership election were announced on 23 July 2019.

The extraordinary political turmoil over Brexit, begun during Theresa May's premiership, continued into the start of Johnson's premiership. This included a prorogation by Johnson that was overturned by the Supreme Court, the passing of the Benn Act against the government's fierce opposition, the expulsion of 21 MPs from the Conservative Party, the loss of the government's working majority, and allegations, particularly by Conservatives, of bias, rule-breaking and bullying by the Speaker John Bercow.[1][2][3] A snap general election was held in December 2019, and Johnson led the Conservative Party to their biggest victory since 1987 (under Margaret Thatcher). Following the election, Parliament ratified Johnson's Brexit withdrawal agreement, and the UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020, beginning an eleven-month transition period.

The global pandemic of COVID-19 emerged as a serious crisis within the country in early 2020. In late March, Johnson himself tested positive and was hospitalised with the disease. Johnson's government responded by enacting emergency powers and widespread societal measures, and a vaccination programme began in December 2020. Reception for Johnson's leadership during the crisis has been mixed. As the pandemic continued, the UK and EU negotiated the EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which provisionally came into force on 1 January 2021. April 2021 saw the death and funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Later in the summer of 2021 was the Taliban offensive, and the withdrawal of most United States and allied troops from Afghanistan, prompting Operation Pitting and Johnson's fifth recall of Parliament.

Conservative leadership bid[]

Main article: 2019 Conservative Party leadership election

Theresa May, after failing to pass her Brexit withdrawal agreement through parliament three times, announced her resignation as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on 24 May 2019 amidst calls for her to be ousted.[4][5] Boris Johnson had already confirmed at a business event in Manchester days earlier that he would run for Conservative Party leader if May were to resign.[6]

Prior to his state visit to the United Kingdom, US President Donald Trump endorsed Johnson for party leader in an interview with The Sun, opining that he thought he "would do a very good job."[7] Johnson won all five rounds of voting by MPs,[8] and entered the final vote by Conservative Party members as the clear favourite to be elected PM.[9] On 23 July, he emerged victorious over his rival Jeremy Hunt with 92,153 votes, 66.4% of the total ballot, while Hunt received 46,656 votes.[10] These results were announced an event in the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster. In his first speech as Prime Minister Johnson pledged that Britain would leave the European Union (EU) by 31 October 2019, "no ifs or buts".[11]

Initial appointments[]

Main article: First Johnson ministry
Johnson holds his first Cabinet meeting

On the day of his announcement as Prime Minister Johnson handed the role of Chief Whip to "relative unknown" MP Mark Spencer.[12]

Andrew Griffith, an executive at the media conglomerate Sky, was appointed chief business adviser to Number 10. Munira Mirza, who was a deputy mayor for Johnson throughout his mayoralty of London, was appointed director of the Number 10 Policy Unit.[13] Dominic Cummings, former chief of the Vote Leave campaign, was appointed into a role as a senior advisor to Johnson.[14]

Johnson's key cabinet appointments were Sajid Javid as Chancellor of the Exchequer, Dominic Raab as Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State, and Priti Patel as Home Secretary. Michael Gove became Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and was replaced as Environment Secretary by Theresa Villiers. Gavin Williamson became Education Secretary, Andrea Leadsom became Business Secretary, Liz Truss became International Trade Secretary and Grant Shapps became Transport Secretary. Stephen Barclay, Matt Hancock, Amber Rudd and Alun Cairns retained their previous cabinet roles, whilst Julian Smith, Alister Jack and Nicky Morgan took on new roles. Entering cabinet for the first time were Ben Wallace, Robert Jenrick, James Cleverly, Rishi Sunak and Robert Buckland.[15]

First 100 days[]

On 24 July 2019, Johnson entered 10 Downing Street for the first time as Prime Minister.[16] He used his first speech to promise that a Brexit deal would be struck within 99 days.[17]

Johnson focused on strengthening the Union within his first few days in office, creating a Minister for the Union position and visiting Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Showing a commitment to the North of England, he gave Northern Powerhouse minister Jake Berry a right to attend cabinet.[18] On 27 July, Johnson gave a speech at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester where he promised to build a high-speed rail route connecting the city to Leeds.[19]

Johnson with US President Donald Trump at the G7 summit in Biarritz in August 2019

Johnson's first overseas trip as Prime Minister was when he travelled to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel on 21 August 2019. He visited France to hold meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron the next day. From 24 to 26 August he attended his first multilateral meeting with world leaders as Prime Minister, when he travelled to Biarritz for the 45th G7 summit.

Prorogation of parliament[]

Main article: 2019 British prorogation controversy

On 28 August 2019, Johnson advised the Queen to prorogue parliament between 12 September 2019 and 14 October 2019, which was given ceremonial approval by the Queen at a Privy Council meeting.[20] The prorogation spurred requests for a judicial review of the advice given by Johnson as the order itself, under royal prerogative powers, cannot be challenged in court.[21] As of 29 August, three court proceedings had been lodged, and one European legal proceeding had begun:

On 24 September 2019 the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom found that Johnson's attempt to prorogue Parliament for five weeks "had the effect of frustrating or preventing the constitutional role of Parliament in holding the government to account", that the matter was justiciable, and therefore that the attempted prorogation was unlawful.[26][27] It accordingly declared that the prorogation was void ab initio.[26] Parliament returned the following day and the record was made to show that Parliament was not in fact prorogued but rather "adjourned".[28] On 2 October 2019, Johnson announced his plans to prorogue Parliament on 8 October and hold a new State Opening of Parliament on 14 October.[29]

Loss of working majority, Conservative MPs and ministerial resignations[]

On 29 August 2019, Johnson suffered the first ministerial resignation of his premiership, when Lord Young of Cookham resigned as a government whip in the House of Lords.[30]

On 3 September 2019, Phillip Lee crossed the floor and defected to the Liberal Democrats following disagreement with Johnson's Brexit policy. This left the government with no working majority in the House of Commons.[31] Later that day, 21 Conservative MPs – including former Chancellors Kenneth Clarke and Philip Hammond, and Nicholas Soames, a grandson of former Conservative leader Winston Churchill – had the party whip withdrawn for defying party orders and supporting the Benn Act, an opposition motion requiring the government to act to stop a no-deal Brexit if Parliament has not backed a deal by 19 October.[32][16] Johnson saw his working majority reduced from 1 to minus 43.

On 5 September 2019, Johnson's brother Jo Johnson resigned from the government and announced that he would step down as an MP, describing his position as "torn between family and national interest."[33]

On 7 September 2019, Amber Rudd resigned as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and from the Conservative Party, describing the withdrawal of the party whip from MPs on 3 September as an "assault on decency and democracy".[34][35]

Brexit plan publication[]

On 2 October 2019, the government delivered its Brexit proposals to the EU in a seven-page document, including plans to replace the Irish backstop. The proposals would see Northern Ireland stay in the European single market for goods, but leave the customs union, resulting in new customs checks.[36]

Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the Labour Party, said he did not think Johnson's Brexit plan would get EU support, claiming it was worse than the deal negotiated by former Prime Minister Theresa May. He also said the proposal was "very unspecific on how the Good Friday Agreement can be upheld."[37]

On 4 October, government papers submitted to the Scottish court indicated that Johnson would ask the EU for an extension to the Article 50 process if a deal was not reached by 19 October. However, later the same day Johnson reiterated his earlier statement that the UK would be leaving the EU on 31 October, regardless of whether or not a deal had been reached.[38]

Revised withdrawal agreement[]

Unsigned letter from Boris Johnson requesting an extension
Signed letter from Boris Johnson saying that an extension would be a mistake
The 29 October European Council decision agreeing an extension until 31 January 2020

Following negotiations between the UK and EU, a revised withdrawal agreement was reached on 17 October.[39] A special Saturday sitting of Parliament was held two days later to debate the new agreement.[40][41][42] MPs passed an amendment, introduced by Sir Oliver Letwin by 322 votes to 306, withholding Parliament's approval until legislation implementing the deal was passed, and intending to force the government to request a delay from the EU for the exit until 31 January 2020.[43] Later that evening, 10 Downing Street confirmed that Johnson would send a letter to the EU requesting an extension, but would not sign it.[44] EU Council President Donald Tusk subsequently confirmed receipt of the letter, which Johnson had described as "Parliament's letter, not my letter". In addition, Johnson sent a second letter expressing the view that any further delay to Brexit would be a mistake.[44]

On 21 October, the government published the withdrawal agreement bill and proposed three days of debate for opposition MPs to scrutinise it.[45] The Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow refused a government request to hold a vote on the Brexit deal, citing their previous decision to withdraw it.[46]

The government brought the recently revised EU Withdrawal Bill to the House of Commons for debate on the evening of 22 October 2019.[47] MPs voted on the Bill itself, which was passed by 329 votes to 299, and the timetable for debating the Bill, which was defeated by 322 votes to 308. Prior to the votes, Johnson had stated that if his timetable failed to generate the support needed to pass in parliament he would abandon attempts to get the deal approved and would seek a general election. Following the vote, however, Johnson announced that the legislation would be paused while he consulted with other EU leaders.[47][48]

On 30 October, Johnson took part in a one-hour and eleven minute long session of Prime Minister's Questions – the longest on record. He led tributes to parliamentarian John Bercow who stood down the following day after ten years as Speaker of the House of Commons.[49]

2019 general election[]

Main article: 2019 United Kingdom general election

Calls for early election[]

On 3 September 2019, Johnson threatened to call a general election after opposition and rebel Conservative MPs successfully voted against the government to take control of the order of business with a view to preventing a no-deal exit.[50]

The bill to block a no-deal exit, which the government opposed, passed the Commons on 4 September 2019, causing Johnson to call for a general election on 15 October.[51] However, this motion was unsuccessful as it failed to command the support of two-thirds of the House as required by the Fixed-term Parliaments Act (FTPA).[52]

On 5 September, Johnson launched a national campaign to recruit 20,000 new police officers.[53] He also pledged to build 40 new hospitals by 2030[54] and increase schools funding.[55]

A second attempt at a motion for an early general election failed on 9 September.[56] After the programme motion for the withdrawal agreement bill failed to pass on 22 October, Johnson once again submitted a motion for an early general election under the FTPA. After the motion failed, the government put forward a short bill to hold another election – a method which needed only a simple majority and not a two thirds majority as required by the FTPA.[57] Opposition MPs submitted an amendment to change the date of the election to 9 December rather than 12 December, but the amendment failed. On 29 October, MPs approved the election for 12 December in a second vote.[58] The date of the election became law when royal assent was given on 31 October.[59]

Campaign and results[]

Campaigning for the election began officially on 6 November.[60] Johnson participated in a television debate with Jeremy Corbyn hosted by ITV on 19 November, and one hosted by the BBC on 6 December.[61][62] He worked with Brett O'Donnell, a US Republican strategist, in preparation for the debates,[63] whilst his campaign was managed by Isaac Levido, an Australian strategist. The Conservative Party's election manifesto said that the UK would spend 0.7% of its gross national income on overseas aid and more than 2% of its gross national product on defence, exceeding the defence spending target set by NATO.[64]

The Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage had suggested the Brexit and Conservative parties could form an electoral pact to maximise the seats taken by Brexit-supporting MPs, something the US President Donald Trump urged the pair to do, but this was rejected by Johnson.[65] Despite this Farage later agreed that his party would only contest non-Conservative seats.

During the floods which hit parts of England in November, Johnson was criticised for what some saw as his late response to the flooding[66][67] after he said they were not a national emergency.[68]

The Conservatives banned Daily Mirror reporters from Johnson's campaign bus.[69][70]

On 27 November, the Labour Party announced it had obtained leaked government documents; they claimed these showed that, despite claims otherwise, the Conservatives were in trade negotiations with the US over the NHS. The Conservatives said Labour were peddling "conspiracy theories".[71]

Whilst campaigning in his constituency on 29 November, Johnson returned to Downing Street after news of a stabbing on London Bridge. Five people were stabbed and two died from their injuries; Johnson declared the incident an act of terrorism.

A map presenting the results of the election

Under Johnson's leadership, the Conservative Party polled their largest share of votes since 1979 and won their largest number of seats since 1987, resulting in a landslide victory. Their total of 13.9 million votes was the largest number of votes won by any party since 1992. Their victory in the final contest of the election – the seat of St Ives, in Cornwall – took their total number of MPs to 365, giving them a majority of 80.

Start of second term[]

See also: Second Johnson ministry

On the morning of 13 December, after the results of the election were announced, Johnson asked the Queen's permission to form a new government, therefore beginning his second term.[72] His administration remained the same as his first, aside from a new Secretary of State for Wales, to replace Alun Cairns, who resigned after claims that he had known about a former aide's role in the 'sabotage' of a rape trial. Nicky Morgan, who had not stood in the election, and Zac Goldsmith, who lost his seat, were made life peers to allow them to remain in the government, which was criticised as cronyism.

On 3 January 2020, a US airstrike in Iraq killed the Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. Johnson was not told about the attack by US President Donald Trump prior to it happening. He was criticised for not returning from his holiday in Mustique as tensions between Iran and the West rose.[73]

Johnson welcomed a decision by political parties in Northern Ireland to restore the Northern Ireland Assembly on the basis of negotiations between the British and Irish governments. Talks succeeded under Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith to create a 6th Northern Ireland Assembly, which resumed meeting on 11 January 2020. It followed a three-year hiatus with a new power sharing agreement between Sinn Féin and the DUP.

On 18 January 2020, Johnson revealed plans for the Brexit Day celebrations in Downing Street, and the commemorative coin which entered circulation on that day.[74]

On 20 January, in its first defeat since the general election, Johnson's government lost three votes in the House of Lords over its Brexit legislation.[75] However, two days later, he said the UK had "crossed the Brexit finish line" after parliament passed the EU bill for implementing the withdrawal agreement.[76] On 23 January, the bill was given royal assent and the next day it was signed by European leaders in Brussels and by Johnson in Downing Street. The signing in Downing Street was witnessed by both British and European officials, including the Prime Minister's Europe advisor David Frost.

On 28 January, the UK government decided to let Huawei have a limited role in building its new 5G network and supplying new high-speed network equipment to wireless carriers, whilst ignoring the US government's warnings that it would sever intelligence sharing if they did not exclude the company. The UK government stated that they deemed Huawei as a high-risk vendor but decided against banning the company from its 5G network, and said instead that they had decided to "use Huawei in a limited way so we can collectively manage the risk".[77][78] Several Conservative Party members, on their part, warned against using Huawei.

There was a vote on the UK government EU bill in the European Parliament on 29 January where it was ratified by 621 votes to 49.[79][80]

COVID-19 pandemic period[]

See also: COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom and British government response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Embedment and first wave[]

On 31 January 2020, the first UK COVID-19 cases were confirmed in York.[81][82]

The Department for Exiting the European Union was closed down at 11:01 pm on 31 January, a minute after the United Kingdom officially left the European Union.[83] The Brexit transition period lasted until 31 December 2020, an end date that was included in Theresa May's withdrawal agreement. Under an article of the agreement, the UK-EU Joint Committee could have decided to extend the transition period by "up to two years",[84] but Johnson expressed his wish to have signed a free-trade deal with the EU by the end of December. During this time the UK remained in the EU's Single Market and Customs Union.

Johnson came under pressure to "pay back the trust of Northern voters" after his victory in the 2019 general election. This was a factor in him giving the go-ahead to the High Speed 2 (HS2) project on 11 February 2020.[85] The rail line, capable of speeds above 186 mph, is scheduled to open in phases between 2028 and 2040. It has been criticised for its projected costs and impact on the environment. Additionally, Downing Street said that work was underway "by a range of government officials" to look into the prospects of building a bridge from Scotland to Northern Ireland.

Sajid Javid (top) resigned as Chancellor and was replaced by Rishi Sunak (bottom)

Johnson conducted a cabinet reshuffle on 13 February when a number of senior ministers were sacked, including Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith, Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom, Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers and Attorney General Geoffrey Cox. Others leaving included Nicky Morgan and James Cleverly. In a surprise move, Sajid Javid resigned as Chancellor and was succeeded by Rishi Sunak. Javid's departure came from a refusal to comply with an order by Johnson to sack his advisory team and replace them with aides from Johnson's office.[86] Stephen Barclay, Alok Sharma, Brandon Lewis and Oliver Dowden changed their portfolios whilst Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Suella Braverman, George Eustice and Amanda Milling newly joined the cabinet.

On 27 February, a court ruling deemed a third runway at Heathrow Airport "unlawful". Johnson said he was not planning to appeal against the ruling. However, the court said that a third runway could be built in the future if it worked in line with the UK's commitments in the Paris Agreement.[87] The Supreme Court lifted the ban on building a third runway a number of months later.[88]

By 1 March 2020, cases of COVID-19 had reached every nation of the UK. Johnson unveiled the Coronavirus Action Plan and declared the outbreak a 'level 4 incident'. On 6 March he announced £46 million in funding for research into a coronavirus vaccine and rapid diagnostic tests.

On 12 March Johnson said the outbreak represented the "worst public health crisis in a generation" after chairing an emergency COBR meeting. Johnson, and his team of advisers, including Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, held daily press briefings from Downing Street to update the public on developments. The press briefings, which were also chaired by other cabinet ministers, were not a daily occurrence after 23 June, and were instead more sporadic.[89]

The government advised on measures such as social distancing and advised people in the UK against "non-essential" travel and contact with others, as well as suggesting people should avoid pubs, clubs and theatres, and work from home if possible. Pregnant women, people over the age of 70 and those with certain health conditions were urged to consider the advice "particularly important", and would be asked to self-isolate. Johnson announced that the UK would close the majority of its schools beginning on 20 March.[90] That year's summer exams were cancelled across the UK.[91][92] On 20 March, during the daily 5 pm press conference, Johnson requested the closure of pubs, restaurants, gyms, entertainment venues, museums and galleries that evening, though with some regret, saying "We're taking away the ancient, inalienable right of free-born people of the United Kingdom to go to the pub".[93][94]

On 23 March, in a televised broadcast, Johnson announced wide-ranging restrictions on freedom of movement in the UK, enforceable in law for a period of up to 2 years.[95] The UK had been amongst the last major European states to progressively encourage social distancing, close schools, ban public events and order a lockdown.[96][97]

Johnson returned to Downing Street after recovering from COVID-19

On 27 March it was announced that Johnson had tested positive for coronavirus.[98] Before he tested positive he said he had shaken hands "with everybody" at a hospital where there were confirmed coronavirus cases. The SAGE committee had warned that the government should advise against handshaking due to existing evidence about the importance of hand hygiene.[99] On 5 April he was taken to St Thomas' Hospital in London for tests due to him displaying "persistent symptoms".[100] He was moved to the hospital's intensive care unit the next day as his condition had worsened. First Secretary of State, Dominic Raab began deputising for him "where necessary".[101] After receiving "standard oxygen treatment" in hospital, he was moved out of intensive care on 9 April.[102] He left hospital on 12 April after a week of treatment, and was moved to his country residence, Chequers, to recuperate.[103] After a fortnight at Chequers, he returned to Downing Street on the evening of 26 April and was said to be chairing a government coronavirus "war cabinet" meeting.[104] During the pandemic Johnson also reached a divorce settlement with his estranged wife Marina Wheeler, before his fiancée Carrie Symonds gave birth to a son.[105]

On 30 April Johnson said that the country was "past the peak" of the outbreak and spoke about the importance of mask-wearing. He said that to avoid a second peak of infections, it was important to keep the R number below one (the number of cases directly generated by one case).[106] On 10 May he asked those who could not work from home to go to work, avoiding public transport if possible, encouraged the taking of "unlimited amounts" of outdoor exercise, and allowed driving to outdoor destinations within England. The slogan previously used by the government, "Stay at Home", was newly changed to "Stay Alert".[107]

The UK and EU trade negotiations were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in that videoconferencing was employed by the two sides.[108]

Regarding a controversy about Dominic Cummings' travelling during the lockdown, Johnson used the televised coronavirus update on 24 May to say that he believed he had acted "responsibly, legally and with integrity".[109] There was media pressure for Cummings to resign, or for Johnson to dismiss him.[110] Cummings, and his ally Lee Cain, later departed Downing Street near the end of 2020.[111]

Continued restrictions and resurgence[]

Johnson stated that he was "appalled and sickened" by the murder of George Floyd, which led to protests being held across the UK.[112] He urged people to protest peacefully and said that the protesters who "attack[ed] public property or the police" would "face the full force of the law".[113]

On 16 June 2020, Johnson announced that the Department for International Development would merge with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, to create a new department named the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.[114] The move was carried out on 2 September, but was criticised by the Labour Party and by former Prime Ministers David Cameron, Gordon Brown and Tony Blair.[115]

During the Hong Kong–Mainland China conflict in July 2020, Johnson's government offered up to three million Hong Kong citizens the opportunity to live in the UK with a "route to citizenship" if they held British National (Overseas) passports.[116]

In July 2020 the newly reconstituted Intelligence and Security Committee report on Russia was released. It stated that the British government and intelligence agencies had failed to conduct any proper assessment of attempts by the Russian government to interfere with the 2016 EU membership referendum. It stated that the government "had not seen or sought evidence of successful interference in UK democratic processes". The committee's Stewart Hosie, an SNP MP, said "The report reveals that no one in government knew if Russia interfered in or sought to influence the referendum because they did not want to know". Yet, the report stated that committee members had said that no firm conclusion could be ascertained on whether the Russian government had or had not successfully interfered in the referendum.[117]

Due in part to pressure from the US government, in July 2020 Johnson's government decided not to buy any of Huawei's equipment, and told mobile providers to remove the firm's 5G technology from their networks by 2027.[118][119] In November 2020, the government announced that the installation of 5G equipment will no longer be permitted from September 2021.[120]

During Johnson's premiership the UK has seen an increase in English Channel migrant crossings. In August 2020, it was reported that in 2020 so far almost 4,000 people had crossed the Channel illegally, using at least 300 small boats. On 6 August a record number of migrants arrived, at least 235.[121] It was also observed that while it was originally mostly men arriving, young children and pregnant women were also arriving.[122] By the end of 2020, about 635 boats had crossed the English Channel, carrying 8,438 people.[123]

On 4 September 2020 former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott was appointed by the government as an advisor to the Board of Trade. Opposition MPs called for him to have been rejected over his views on "homosexuality, women and climate change".[124] Seven months after the UK left the EU, the country's first major post-Brexit trade agreement was signed, a deal with Japan, with Liz Truss on the British negotiating side. It was said that "99% of exports to Japan" would be "tariff-free" as a result of the deal.[125]

Amid fears of a second peak, on 9 September it was announced that from 14 September, in new rules, gatherings of more than six people in England would become illegal, with a number of set out exceptions. Fines beginning at £100, reaching £3,200 as a maximum for repeated offences, would be issued to those failing to comply.[126] Johnson announced more restrictions on 22 September, which the media termed a "second Covid shutdown".[127] During this time England was also under certain additional local restrictions.[128] These restrictions were replaced with a three-tier approach for England on 14 October.

The introduction of the UK Internal Market Bill to Parliament caused controversy[129] as there were concerns about the impact of parts of the bill on the rule of law. The government ultimately withdrew these parts before enactment.[130]

On 16 October 2020 Johnson said that the UK "must get ready" for no trade deal with the EU.[131]

In a press conference on 31 October, Johnson said that England would enter a four-week national lockdown beginning on 5 November. Non-essential shops and hospitality closed, but schools, colleges and universities remained open.[132] By 16 November, despite not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms,[133] Johnson was self-isolating after coming into contact with an MP who tested positive,[134] leading him on 18 November to become the first Prime Minister to attend Prime Minister's Questions via video link.[135] The lockdown ended from 2 December when a revised three-tier approach for England was put into force.[136] The same day it was announced that the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech had been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Johnson announced that the UK would receive 800,000 doses of the vaccine the following week for the launch of the UK's vaccination programme.[137]

After last-minute negotiations, it was announced on 24 December that a UK-EU trade deal had been agreed.[138]

On 30 December it was announced that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine had been approved and would also be rolled out.[139]

The EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the UK-EU trade deal provisionally came into force on 1 January 2021.

On 4 January 2021, Johnson announced that England would enter a lockdown beginning the following day. People were told only to leave their homes for limited reasons. All schools and colleges closed to the majority of pupils. At the time the restrictions were said to last until at least mid-February.[140]

Start of reopening[]

On 8 March 2021, schools in England reopened, with secondary schools requiring masks in lessons.[141]

Johnson received his first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine on 19 March and encouraged others to do the same, saying: "Everybody, when you do get your notification to go for a jab, please go and get it."[142] On 7 April the Moderna vaccine began being rolled out.[143]

Following the death of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh on 9 April 2021, the government ordered that its communications and some aspects of ministerial activity would pause for a number of mourning days.[144]

"Let the bodies pile high in their thousands"[]

In April 2021, Johnson denied allegations made by the Daily Mail that he had said he would rather have seen "bodies pile high in their thousands" than approve a third lockdown.[145] The full remark was reported to have been "No more fucking lockdowns – let the bodies pile high in their thousands".[146] He is alleged to have said it on 30 October 2020, one day before the announcement of the second national lockdown.[147] The phrase came to public attention in April 2021 when reports of the remark entered the public domain through a story in the Daily Mail written by Simon Walters.[148] Walters had been a political journalist since the 1980s. According to The Guardian, Walters was regarded "as an outstanding story-getter" and that "if Walters has written a story, it would be wise to take it seriously".[149]

Sources told the BBC and Robert Peston of ITV News that the remark was made.[150][151] According to Peston, the remarks were heard by a number of people.[152] Both The Guardian and the BBC reported that the remark had been heard shouted from an office in Downing Street following a main meeting.[153] Peston stated that two witnesses were prepared to swear under oath that the remarks were made.[154] Former chief adviser Dominic Cummings said in a May select committee that he heard the remarks being made.[155]

Johnson denied having made the remark, describing it as "total, total rubbish".[156] Cabinet ministers Michael Gove and Ben Wallace also stated that the reports of the remarks were untrue.[157][158]

The reported remark was condemned by other British politicians and relatives of victims of the COVID-19 pandemic.[153][159]

Since the 2021 local elections[]

On 6 May 2021, local and mayoral elections were held across the UK, as well as Senedd and Scottish Parliament elections, and a by-election in Hartlepool. Johnson's Conservatives substantially improved their vote shares in most of the country, and won Hartlepool for the first time in the constituency's history.[160] These elections were widely seen as a boost to the future of Johnson and his party, and further secured his position.[161]

The 2021 Queen's Speech announced that the government will "level up opportunities across all parts of the United Kingdom, supporting jobs, businesses and economic growth and addressing the impact of the pandemic on public services", implementing an election manifesto pledge.

On 12 May, Johnson said an independent public inquiry into the handling of the pandemic would be held in spring 2022.[162]

Johnson married Carrie Symonds on 29 May in a secret ceremony at Westminster Cathedral.[17]

The Conservatives lost the seat of Chesham and Amersham in a by-election on 17 June, the first time a non-Conservative candidate had won the seat since its formation in 1974.[163]

On 19 July, a date dubbed "Freedom Day" by the media, the majority of COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in England.[16]

On 19 July, 430 people crossed the English Channel, making it the largest crossing on record. 1,850 people crossed in July alone, which was more than the total for the whole of 2019.[164]

On 17 August, following the UK's removal of troops from Afghanistan and the fall of Kabul to the Taliban, Johnson announced a new scheme to resettle 20,000 Afghans in Britain.[165][166][167] Parliament was recalled on 18 August and MPs gathered in the House of Commons chamber, with those previously haven spoken via video link unable to do so.[168]

On 7 September Johnson announced plans for social care reforms, including a 1.25% rise in National Insurance to raise £36 billion over three years, and a cap of £86,000 on lifetime care costs in England.[169] The following day MPs voted in favour of an NHS and social care tax rise by 319 votes to 248, a majority of 71.[170]

Johnson conducted a cabinet reshuffle on 15 September 2021, which saw Dominic Raab become Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister and be replaced as Foreign Secretary by International Trade Secretary Liz Truss. Also changing their portfolios were Michael Gove, Stephen Barclay and Oliver Dowden. Nadhim Zahawi, Anne-Marie Trevelyan and Nadine Dorries newly joined the cabinet, while Gavin Williamson, Robert Buckland, Robert Jenrick and Amanda Milling left the cabinet.[171][172]

On 15 September, Johnson, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and US President Joe Biden announced AUKUS, a security pact between the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States seen as an initiative to counter the perceived dominance of China in the Pacific. French and Chinese officials criticised the agreement.[173][174]

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government was renamed the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities under Secretary of State Michael Gove. Former Bank of England Chief Economist Andy Haldane was appointed as the head of the Levelling Up Taskforce.[175]

On 15 October was the killing of David Amess, a Conservative MP.

On 27 October, the October budget was announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak.[176][177]

On 22 November, Johnson gave a speech to the CBI that was criticised by the press and other party leaders.[178][179][180]

The Westminster Christmas parties controversy emerged in December 2021,[181] and contributed to the defeat in the North Shropshire by-election, in a seat which BBC News said the Conservatives had held since the 1830s and The Times said last elected an opposition MP in 1904.[182][183]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "John Bercow: Ex-Speaker says he is victim of a conspiracy in peerage row". BBC News. 9 February 2020. Retrieved 3 January 2021. The ex-Conservative MP has been accused of bullying by former Commons colleagues, but denies the claims... The controversial speaker stood down in October after a decade in the job, during which he faced accusations of bias over Brexit as well as questions over his own behaviour towards colleagues... He has dismissed claims there was a pattern of bullying towards his subordinates... Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said Mr Bercow had regularly defied the rules when he was Speaker
  2. ^ "John Bercow: the Speaker dogged by claims of bullying and bias who was a thorn in the side of his own party". The Telegraph. 9 September 2019. Retrieved 3 January 2021. In describing Mr Bercow as having "not just bent the rules but broken them", the business secretary... echoed the view of many MPs who have called out his perceived Brexit bias since the 2016 EU Referendum. The final straw for Downing Street came after Mr Bercow not only spoke out against the Prime Minister's move to suspend Parliament, but also used Commons procedure to facilitate the successful move by pro-Remain MPs to block no deal. Describing Mr Bercow's decision to allow MPs to take over the parliamentary timetable as a "flagrant abuse", Ms Leadsom criticised the Speaker... During his last three years in the chair, he courted criticism for his perceived Brexit 'bias' after he was accused of breaking precedent and ignoring the advice of his officials by 'unilaterally changing' parliamentary rules to allow a Government motion on the meaningful vote on the Prime Minister's withdrawal agreement to be amended by remainers
  3. ^ "John Bercow, the controversial speaker accused of bullying, will forever be a symbol of Brexit division". The Independent. 23 January 2020. Retrieved 3 January 2021. The news that Lord Lisvane, clerk of the House of Commons for the early part of Bercow’s speakership, has filed a complaint about bullying complicates matters further... Being seen as pro-Labour and pro-Remain was terrible for the authority of the speaker. No matter how defensible each of his rulings on procedure was, they were undermined by the perception of his biases... Whatever happens to the bullying allegations, which he denies, his record will always be tarnished by the perception of bias.
  4. ^ Picheta, Rob (25 May 2019). "Theresa May to resign as UK Prime Minister". CNN. Retrieved 26 July 2019.
  5. ^ "Theresa May resigns over Brexit: What happened?". BBC News. 24 May 2019. Retrieved 26 July 2019.
  6. ^ "Boris Johnson confirms bid for Tory leadership". BBC News. 16 May 2019. Retrieved 26 July 2019.
  7. ^ "Donald Trump says Boris Johnson would be 'excellent' Tory leader". BBC News. 1 June 2019. Retrieved 26 July 2019.
  8. ^ Stewart, Heather (23 July 2019). "Boris Johnson elected new Tory leader". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  9. ^ Mason, Rowena (23 July 2019). "Johnson on course to win Tory leadership contest". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 26 July 2019.
  10. ^ "Boris Johnson wins race to be Tory leader and PM". BBC News. 23 July 2019. Retrieved 26 July 2019.
  11. ^ "Johnson's first 100 days: broken promises and an unlawful prorogation". The Guardian. 1 November 2019. Retrieved 2 November 2019.
  12. ^ Elgot, Jessica (23 July 2019). "Relative unknown Mark Spencer becomes chief whip". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  13. ^ Syal, Rajeev; Mason, Rowena; O'Carroll, Lisa (23 July 2019). "Sky executive among Johnson's first appointments". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  14. ^ "Who is 'career psychopath' Dominic Cummings set to join Johnson's team?". Sky News. 24 July 2019. Retrieved 24 July 2019.
  15. ^ Sparrow, Andrew; Badshah, Nadeem; Busby, Mattha; O'Carroll, Lisa (24 July 2019). "Boris Johnson cabinet: Sajid Javid, Priti Patel and Dominic Raab given top jobs – as it happened". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 31 October 2019.
  16. ^ a b c Quinn, Chay (22 July 2021). "Boris Johnson's two years of chaos as Prime Minister". Evening Standard. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  17. ^ a b Swinford, Steven; Zeffman, Henry; Smyth, Chris (24 July 2021). "Grand ambitions: Boris Johnson's two years as prime minister". The Times. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
  18. ^ Walker, Jonathan (24 July 2020). "It's one year since Boris Johnson became Prime Minister and here's what he's done for the North East". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  19. ^ "PM pledges new northern high-speed rail route". BBC News. 27 July 2019. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
  20. ^ Young, Vicki [@BBCVickiYoung] (28 August 2019). "It's done" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  21. ^ "How do you suspend Parliament?". BBC News. 28 August 2019. Retrieved 28 August 2019.
  22. ^ Carrell, Severin (13 August 2019). "Brexit: judge fast-tracks challenge to stop Johnson forcing no deal". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  23. ^ O'Carroll, Lisa; Carrell, Severin (28 August 2019). "Gina Miller's lawyers apply to challenge Boris Johnson plan". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  24. ^ O'Carroll, Lisa (29 August 2019). "Boris Johnson faces third legal battle over prorogation". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  25. ^ "MEPs plan to trigger EU rule of law investigation into Boris Johnson's government over suspension of parliament". The Independent. 28 August 2019. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  26. ^ a b "JUDGMENT- R v The Prime Minister [2019] UKSC 41" (PDF). Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. 24 September 2019.
  27. ^ "Supreme Court: Suspending Parliament was unlawful, judges rule". BBC News. 24 September 2019. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
  28. ^ "Parliament: MPs and peers return after court rules suspension unlawful". BBC News. 25 September 2019. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
  29. ^ "Parliament to be prorogued next Tuesday". BBC News. 2 October 2019. Retrieved 2 October 2019.
  30. ^ "Lord Young quits Tory whip over Boris Johnson's prorogue stance". Metro. 29 August 2019. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  31. ^ "Boris Johnson loses majority after Tory MP defects during speech". The Independent. 3 September 2019. Retrieved 3 September 2019.
  32. ^ "Twenty-one Tory rebels lose party whip after backing bid to block no-deal Brexit". PoliticsHome.com. 4 September 2019. Retrieved 5 September 2019.
  33. ^ "PM's brother quits as Tory MP and minister". BBC News. 5 September 2019. Retrieved 5 September 2019.
  34. ^ Shipman, Tim (7 September 2019). "Exclusive: Amber Rudd resigns from cabinet and quits Tories". The Sunday Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
  35. ^ "Amber Rudd quits cabinet and Conservative party". BBC News. 7 September 2019. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
  36. ^ "Government publishes new Brexit proposals". 2 October 2019. Retrieved 2 October 2019.
  37. ^ "Boris Johnson says his Brexit plan will not have checks at Irish border". edition.cnn.com. 2 October 2019. Retrieved 2 October 2019.
  38. ^ "PM will send Brexit extension letter, court told". BBC News. 4 October 2019.
  39. ^ Ellyatt, Holly (17 October 2019). "UK and EU agree on new Brexit deal, Boris Johnson says". CNBC. NBC. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  40. ^ "Brexit: Special sitting for MPs to decide UK's future". BBC News. 9 October 2019. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
  41. ^ Murphy, Simon (9 October 2019). "Parliament set for Brexit showdown on 19 October". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
  42. ^ "Brexit 'super Saturday': your guide to the big day". The Guardian. 19 October 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  43. ^ Stewart, Heather; Proctor, Kate (19 October 2019). "MPs put brakes on Boris Johnson's Brexit deal with rebel amendment". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  44. ^ a b "Brexit: PM sends letter to Brussels seeking further delay". BBC News. 20 October 2019. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
  45. ^ "Government publishes Brexit bill". BBC News. 21 October 2019. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  46. ^ "MPs' vote on Brexit deal ruled out by Speaker". BBC News. 21 October 2019. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
  47. ^ a b "MPs reject Brexit bill timetable". BBC News. 22 October 2019. Retrieved 22 October 2019.
  48. ^ James, William; MacLellan, Kylie; Piper, Elizabeth (22 October 2019). "Brexit in chaos after parliament defeats Johnson's ratification timetable". Reuters.com. Retrieved 22 October 2019.
  49. ^ Honeycombe-Foster, Matt (30 October 2019). "Boris Johnson leads tributes to 'tennis ball machine' John Bercow as outgoing Speaker chairs longest ever PMQs". PoliticsHome.com. Retrieved 30 October 2019.
  50. ^ Rayner, Gordon; Sheridan, Danielle (3 September 2019). "Brexit vote result: Boris Johnson demands general election after rebel MPs seize control of Commons agenda". The Telegraph.
  51. ^ "MPs back bill aimed at blocking no-deal Brexit". BBC News. 4 September 2019. Retrieved 4 September 2019.
  52. ^ "Johnson's call for general election rejected by MPs". BBC News. 4 September 2019. Retrieved 4 September 2019.
  53. ^ "National campaign to recruit 20,000 police officers launches today" (Press release). GOV.UK. 5 September 2019. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  54. ^ Campbell, Denis (8 December 2019). "Johnson's '40 new hospitals' pledge costed at up to £24bn". The Guardian. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  55. ^ McGuinness, Alan (25 July 2020). "Triumph and tumult: The story of Boris Johnson's first year as prime minister". Sky News. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  56. ^ Mason, Rowena (10 September 2019). "Boris Johnson loses sixth vote in six days as election bid fails". The Guardian.
  57. ^ "Early Parliamentary General Election Act 2019". Parliament.uk. Archived from the original on 31 October 2019. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
  58. ^ "UK set for 12 December general election after MPs' vote". BBC News. 29 October 2019. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
  59. ^ McGuinness, Alan (31 October 2019). "General election: Legislation to hold early poll becomes law". Sky News. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
  60. ^ "General election 2019: Conservative Party launches campaign". BBC News. 6 November 2019. Retrieved 7 November 2019.
  61. ^ "General election 2019: Lib Dems lodge complaint over ITV leaders' debate". BBC News. 2 November 2019. Retrieved 7 November 2019.
  62. ^ "General election 2019: Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn to face off in live BBC debate". BBC News. 8 November 2019. Retrieved 11 November 2019.
  63. ^ "Bush guru prepares Boris Johnson for election debate". The Times. 18 November 2019. Retrieved 19 November 2019.
  64. ^ "Johnson promises 'overhaul' of post-Brexit foreign policy as he launches review". BBC News. 26 February 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  65. ^ Colson, Thomas (2 November 2019). "Boris Johnson will reject Nigel Farage's election offer of a Brexit alliance pact". Business Insider France. Retrieved 2 November 2019.
  66. ^ Vinter, Robyn (14 November 2019). "Johnson's slow response to flooding here in Yorkshire could cost him the election". The Guardian.
  67. ^ "PM Boris Johnson heckled in flood-hit South Yorkshire". BBC News. 13 November 2019.
  68. ^ Thornton, Lucy (14 November 2019). "Flood victim tells 'little man' Boris Johnson to 'get on his bike' after photo op". Daily Mirror.
  69. ^ Mayhew, Freddy (21 November 2019). "Mirror barred from Boris Johnson campaign battle bus". Press Gazette.
  70. ^ Dunt, Ian (22 November 2019). "Week in Review: Tory disinformation campaign intensifies". politics.co.uk.
  71. ^ Woodcock, Andrew; Kentish, Benjamin (27 November 2019). "Corbyn reveals secret documents that 'confirm Tory plot to sell off NHS in US trade talks with Trump". The Independent.
  72. ^ "Election results 2019: Boris Johnson hails 'new dawn' after historic victory". BBC News. 13 December 2019. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
  73. ^ "Boris Johnson mocked for 'still being holiday' as tensions between Iran and the west soar". indy100. 4 January 2020. Retrieved 4 January 2020.
  74. ^ Merrick, Rob (18 January 2020). "Boris Johnson announces Brexit day celebrations to distract from failure to make Big Ben bong". The Independent. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
  75. ^ "Brexit: Government loses first parliamentary votes since election". BBC News. 20 January 2020. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
  76. ^ "Brexit: UK has 'crossed Brexit finish line', says Boris Johnson". BBC News. 22 January 2020. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
  77. ^ Chappell, Bill (28 January 2020). "U.K. Will Allow Huawei To Build Part Of Its 5G Network, Despite U.S. Pressure". NPR. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
  78. ^ "In Snub to US, UK Will Allow China's Huawei in 5G Networks". thediplomat.com. Associated Press. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
  79. ^ "Brexit: Boris Johnson signs withdrawal agreement in Downing Street". BBC News. 24 January 2020. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
  80. ^ "Brexit: European Parliament overwhelmingly backs terms of UK's exit". BBC News. 29 January 2020. Retrieved 31 January 2020.
  81. ^ Ball, Tom; Wace, Charlotte (31 January 2020). "Hunt for contacts of coronavirus-stricken pair in York". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Archived from the original on 4 February 2020. Retrieved 6 March 2020.
  82. ^ Moss, Peter; Barlow, Gavin; Easom, Nicholas; Lillie, Patrick; Samson, Anda (14 March 2020). "Lessons for managing high-consequence infections from first COVID-19 cases in the UK". The Lancet. 395 (10227): e46. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30463-3. ISSN 0140-6736. PMC 7133597. PMID 32113507.
  83. ^ Duffy, Nick (1 February 2020). "Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay exits cabinet as Boris Johnson shutters department". inews. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  84. ^ "Brexit transition period". The Institute for Government. 2 January 2020. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  85. ^ "HS2 go-ahead controversial and difficult, admits Boris Johnson". BBC News. 11 February 2020.
  86. ^ Castle, Stephen (13 February 2020). "Sajid Javid, U.K. Finance Chief, Quits as Boris Johnson Shuffles Team". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  87. ^ Merrick, Rob; Cowburn, Ashley (27 February 2020). "Heathrow expansion abandoned by government as Boris Johnson spokesman says it will not appeal court ruling". The Independent. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  88. ^ Harrabin, Roger (16 December 2020). "Supreme Court lifts ban on Heathrow third runway". BBC News. Retrieved 16 December 2020.
  89. ^ Woodcock, Andrew (23 June 2020). "Coronavirus daily briefings to end after today, No 10 announces as lockdown eased". The Independent. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  90. ^ "Coronavirus: UK schools, colleges and nurseries to close from Friday". BBC News. 18 March 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
  91. ^ "Exam cancellations to spark 'almighty scramble' in UK admissions". Times Higher Education (THE). 20 March 2020. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  92. ^ Sellgren, Katherine; Richardson, Hannah (19 March 2020). "School closures: What will happen now?". BBC News. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
  93. ^ Mendick, Robert (20 March 2020). "Boris Johnson announces 'extraordinary' closure of UK's pubs and restaurants in coronavirus shutdown". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  94. ^ O'Toole, Fintan (11 April 2020). "Coronavirus has exposed the myth of British exceptionalism". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  95. ^ "PM announces strict new curbs on life in UK". BBC News. 23 March 2020. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  96. ^ "Coronavirus: What are the lockdown measures across Europe?". Deutsche Welle. 1 April 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  97. ^ Estimating the number of infections and the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19 in 11 European countries (PDF). Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology (Report). Imperial College London. 30 March 2020. p. 5. doi:10.25561/77731. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  98. ^ "PM Boris Johnson tests positive for coronavirus". BBC News. 27 March 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
  99. ^ Mason, Rowena (5 May 2020). "Boris Johnson boasted of shaking hands on day Sage warned not to". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
  100. ^ "Coronavirus: Boris Johnson in 'good spirits' in hospital". BBC News. 6 April 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  101. ^ "Coronavirus: Boris Johnson moved to intensive care as symptoms worsen". BBC News. 6 April 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  102. ^ "PM out of intensive care but remains in hospital". BBC News. 9 April 2020. Retrieved 9 April 2020.
  103. ^ Mason, Rowena (12 April 2020). "Boris Johnson leaves hospital as he continues recovery from coronavirus". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  104. ^ "Coronavirus: Boris Johnson's return to work 'a boost for the country'". BBC News. 26 April 2020. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
  105. ^ O'Flynn, Patrick (23 July 2020). "Boris Johnson's 1st year in Downing Street has been an epic motion picture". The Telegraph. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  106. ^ "Coronavirus: Boris Johnson says UK is past the peak of outbreak". BBC News. 30 April 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  107. ^ "Prime Minister's statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 10 May 2020". GOV.UK. 10 May 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  108. ^ Stone, Jon (11 May 2020). "'They can effectively blame Covid for everything': What coronavirus means for Brexit talks". The Independent. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  109. ^ "Coronavirus latest news: Boris Johnson backs Cummings and says he acted 'responsibly, legally and with integrity'". The Telegraph. 24 May 2020. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  110. ^ "Newspaper headlines: No 10 'chaos' as 'defiant' PM defends Cummings". BBC News. 25 May 2020. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
  111. ^ Murphy, Simon (15 November 2020). "Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain departure: what really happened?". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  112. ^ "UK's Johnson 'appalled and sickened' by George Floyd's death". Reuters. 3 June 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  113. ^ Braddick, Imogen (8 June 2020). "Boris Johnson speaks out on George Floyd protests and urges demonstrators to work peacefully to defeat racism". Evening Standard. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  114. ^ "Prime Minister announces merger of Department for International Development and Foreign Office" (Press release). GOV.UK. 16 June 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  115. ^ "International development and Foreign Office to merge". BBC News. 16 June 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  116. ^ Ford, Jonathan; Hughes, Laura (14 July 2020). "UK-China relations: from 'golden era' to the deep freeze". Financial Times. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  117. ^ Sabbagh, Dan; Harding, Luke; Roth, Andrew (21 July 2020). "Russia report reveals UK government failed to investigate Kremlin interference". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  118. ^ Corera, Gordon (14 July 2020). "Huawei: UK prepares to change course on 5G kit supplier". BBC News. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  119. ^ Scott, Jennifer (24 July 2020). "Boris Johnson: The prime minister's year in No 10". BBC News. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  120. ^ Hope, Christopher (28 November 2020). "Huawei 5G ban brought forward to September". The Telegraph. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
  121. ^ Casciani, Dominic (7 August 2020). "Why are migrants crossing the English Channel?". BBC News. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  122. ^ Brown, Faye (6 August 2020). "Heavily pregnant woman among 235 migrants intercepted in English Channel". Metro. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  123. ^ "Channel crossings: Migrant boats with 77 people on board intercepted". BBC News. 24 February 2021. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  124. ^ Yorke, Harry (4 September 2020). "Boris Johnson defies opposition MPs as he appoints Tony Abbott as British trade envoy". The Telegraph. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  125. ^ "UK signs first major post-Brexit trade deal with Japan". BBC News. 11 September 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
  126. ^ "Coronavirus: Social gatherings above six banned in England from 14 September". BBC News. 9 September 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  127. ^ Rayner, Gordon (21 September 2020). "Second Covid shutdown begins as Boris Johnson prepares to announce new restrictions". The Telegraph. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
  128. ^ "Local restrictions: areas with an outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19)". GOV.UK. 20 September 2020. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
  129. ^ D'Arcy, Mark (11 September 2020). "The week ahead in Parliament". BBC News. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
  130. ^ "Brexit: UK and EU reach deal on Northern Ireland border checks". BBC News. 8 December 2020. Retrieved 9 December 2020.
  131. ^ Sparrow, Andrew (16 October 2020). "Boris Johnson: UK must prepare for no-deal Brexit and 'Australia-style' trade – UK politics live". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
  132. ^ "Covid-19: PM announces four-week England lockdown". BBC News. 31 October 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  133. ^ Stelloh, Tim (15 November 2020). "U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson self-isolating after coronavirus exposure". NBC News. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  134. ^ "Covid-19: Boris Johnson and six Tory MPs self-isolating after No 10 meeting". BBC News. 16 November 2020. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  135. ^ "Covid: Boris Johnson to do Prime Minister's Questions via video". BBC News. 18 November 2020. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  136. ^ Hancock, Matt (26 November 2020). "Returning to a regional tiered approach". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
  137. ^ Stewart, Heather; Boseley, Sarah; Boffey, Daniel (2 December 2020). "Covid vaccinations will begin next week, says Boris Johnson". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
  138. ^ Boffey, Daniel; O'Carroll, Lisa (24 December 2020). "UK and EU agree Brexit trade deal". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  139. ^ Gallagher, James; Triggle, Nick (30 December 2020). "Covid-19: Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine approved for use in UK". BBC News. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  140. ^ "Covid: New lockdown for England amid 'hardest weeks'". BBC News. 4 January 2021. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  141. ^ "Schools and colleges to reopen from tomorrow as part of Step One of the roadmap". GOV.UK. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
  142. ^ Gan, Nectar; Picheta, Rob (19 March 2021). "UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson receives first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine". CNN. Retrieved 19 March 2021.
  143. ^ "Covid: Moderna vaccine UK rollout begins in Wales". BBC News. 7 April 2021. Retrieved 7 April 2021.
  144. ^ Walker, Peter (9 April 2021). "Boris Johnson pays tribute to Prince Philip's 'ethic of service'". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  145. ^ Faulconbridge, Guy; Bruce, Andy; James, William (26 April 2021). "UK denies that Johnson said 'let the bodies pile high'". Reuters. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
  146. ^ Elgot, Jessica; Booth, Robert (26 April 2021). "Pressure mounts on Johnson over alleged 'let the bodies pile high' remarks". the Guardian. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  147. ^ Rayner, Gordon (26 April 2021). "'Let the bodies pile high': What really happened on night Boris Johnson was accused of outburst". The Telegraph. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  148. ^ Faulconbridge, Guy; Bruce, Andy; James, William (26 April 2021). "UK PM Johnson denies saying 'let the bodies pile high'". Reuters. Archived from the original on 27 April 2021. Retrieved 26 April 2021.
  149. ^ Sparrow, Andrew; Morris, Steven (26 April 2021). "Why evidence suggests Johnson did say thousands of deaths would be better than third lockdown". The Guardian. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  150. ^ "Covid: Boris Johnson's 'bodies pile high' comments prompt criticism". BBC News. 26 April 2021. Archived from the original on 26 April 2021. Retrieved 26 April 2021.
  151. ^ Peston, Robert (26 April 2021). "Johnson 'did make bodies pile high in their thousands' comment, writes Peston". ITV News. Archived from the original on 27 April 2021. Retrieved 26 April 2021.
  152. ^ Peston, Robert (26 April 2021). "The truth about Boris's 'bodies pile high in their thousands' comment". www.spectator.co.uk. Archived from the original on 26 April 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
  153. ^ a b Elgot, Jessica; Booth, Robert (26 April 2021). "Pressure mounts on Johnson over alleged 'let the bodies pile high' remarks". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 27 April 2021. Retrieved 26 April 2021.
  154. ^ "Boris Johnson: Witnesses willing to speak 'under oath' that PM made 'let bodies pile high' comment". ITV News. 26 April 2021. Archived from the original on 27 April 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
  155. ^ "Dominic Cummings tells committee he heard PM say 'let the bodies pile high' after ordering second lockdown". Sky News. 26 May 2021. Retrieved 26 May 2021.
  156. ^ Syal, Rajeev; Elgot, Jessica; Booth, Robert (26 April 2021). "Johnson denies saying he would rather see 'bodies piled high' than third Covid lockdown". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 April 2021.
  157. ^ Association, Press; Rowlands, Robert (26 April 2021). "Michael Gove says he 'never heard' PM say let 'bodies pile high'". WalesOnline. Retrieved 26 April 2021.
  158. ^ Heffer, Greg. "COVID-19: Minister denies Boris Johnson made 'let the bodies pile high' comment - and calls it 'a comedy chapter in gossip stories'". Sky News. Retrieved 26 April 2021.
  159. ^ Nutt, Kathleen (26 April 2021). "SNP demand Boris Johnson's resignation over 'let the bodies pile high' remark". The National. Retrieved 26 April 2021.
  160. ^ Courea, Eleni (8 May 2021). "UK election results 2021: who has won and when are more results announced?". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 8 May 2021.
  161. ^ Swinford, Steven; Wright, Oliver; Courea, Eleni (8 May 2021). "Boris Johnson eyes decade in power". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 8 May 2021.
  162. ^ "Coronavirus public inquiry to be held in spring 2022". BBC News. 12 May 2021.
  163. ^ "Chesham and Amersham: Lib Dems overturn big Tory majority in by-election upset". BBC News. 18 June 2021. Retrieved 18 June 2021. The Liberal Democrats have pulled off a stunning by-election victory, overturning a 16,000 majority in a seat that has always voted Conservative.
  164. ^ "At least 430 migrants cross Channel in single day". ITV News. 20 July 2021. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
  165. ^ "Boris Johnson promises to take in more Afghan refugees". The Economist. 19 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  166. ^ "UK unveils scheme to take in 20,000 Afghan refugees over coming years". Euronews. 18 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  167. ^ Elgot, Jessica; Sabbagh, Dan; O'Carroll, Lisa; Allegretti, Aubrey (17 August 2021). "UK to take 20,000 Afghan refugees over five years under resettlement plan". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  168. ^ Cornock, David (17 August 2021). "Afghanistan: Why is the UK Parliament being recalled?". BBC News. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  169. ^ "Boris Johnson outlines new 1.25% health and social care tax to pay for reforms". BBC News. 7 September 2021. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
  170. ^ "Social care tax rise: Boris Johnson wins Commons vote". BBC News. 8 September 2021. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
  171. ^ "Boris Johnson's reshuffle: who's in and who's out?". The Week UK. 16 September 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
  172. ^ "Cabinet reshuffle 2021: Who is in Boris Johnson's new cabinet?". BBC News. 15 September 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
  173. ^ "Pact with U.S., Britain, will see Australia scrap French sub deal-media". Reuters. 15 September 2021. Retrieved 17 September 2021.
  174. ^ "Aukus: UK, US and Australia launch pact to counter China". BBC News. 16 September 2021. Retrieved 17 September 2021.
  175. ^ Cordon, Gavin (18 September 2021). "Michael Gove heads rebranded 'Department for Levelling Up'". Evening Standard. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  176. ^ "Budget 2021: What is it and when will it happen?". BBC News. 21 October 2021. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
  177. ^ Morris, Sophie (24 October 2021). "Budget 2021: Rishi Sunak fails to commit to eastern HS2 leg days before autumn Budget is revealed in Commons". Sky News. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
  178. ^ "PM speech at the CBI conference: 22 November 2021". GOV.UK. 22 November 2021. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  179. ^ Woodcock, Andrew (22 November 2021). "Boris Johnson lost for words as he loses place in bizarre speech to business leaders". The Independent. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  180. ^ "CBI conference: PM accused of 'shambolic' speech to business leaders". BBC News. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  181. ^ Allegretti, Aubrey; Walker, Peter (9 December 2021). "Covid parties review to look at event PM said to have attended". The Guardian. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
  182. ^ "Tories lose North Shropshire seat they held for nearly 200 years". BBC News. 17 December 2021. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
  183. ^ Grylls, George (15 December 2021). "North Shropshire by-election: Christmas party scandal could affect result, Tory candidate admits". The Times. Retrieved 17 December 2021.

Further reading[]

  • Arbuthnott, George, and Calvert, Jonathan, Failures of State: The Inside Story of Britain's Battle with Coronavirus (Harper Collins, 2021).
  • Charmley, John. "Churchill or Chamberlain? Boris Johnson is facing a national crisis like few other prime ministers. Which of his predecessors will he draw comparisons with?" History Today (June 2020) 70#6 pp 90-93.
  • Freedman, Lawrence D. "Britain Adrift: The United Kingdom's Search for a Post-Brexit Role." Foreign Affairs (May/June 2020) 39#3 pp 118-130.
  • Heppell, Timothy, and Thomas McMeeking. "The Conservative Party Leadership Transition from Theresa May to Boris Johnson: Party Popularity and Leadership Satisfaction." Representation 57.1 (2021): 59-73.
  • MacMillan, Catherine. "Lords of Misrule? Carnivalesque Populism in the Brexit Discourse of Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson." MCES-2020: 59 online.
  • O'Toole, Fintan, "The King of Little England", The New York Review of Books, 68#10 (10 June 2021), pp. 44–46.
  • Prosser, Christopher. "The end of the EU affair: the UK general election of 2019" West European Politics (Feb 2021) 44#2 pp 450-461.
  • Römer, Felix. "Boris Johnson, Thatcherism and the rhetoric of'wealth creators'." Renewal (0968252X) 28.2 (2020).
  • Schwarz, Bill. "Boris Johnson's Conservatism: an insurrection against political reason? Boris Johnson's newly adopted persona as embodiment of the people's will represents another step along the road towards a very English populism." Soundings (13626620). (Winter2019/2020) , Issue 73, pp 12-23.
  • Smith, Julie. "COVID-19, Brexit and the United Kingdom – a year of uncertainty." Round Table (Feb 2021) 110#1 pp 62-75.
British Premierships
Preceded by Johnson Premiership
2019–present 		Incumbent
Retrieved from ""