Shortly before Christmas, David Cameron phoned Boris Johnson at his home in
North London. It was not a social call.
The Tory leader had been unsure from the start about Mr Johnson as a mayoral
candidate. With three months to go before the start of the formal campaign
there was little sign of progress. How, Mr Cameron inquired, did Boris
intend to take the fight to Ken Livingstone?
The two men have known each other for almost 25 years. At Eton, at Oxford, in
the media and in politics their lives have touched, diverged and touched
again. Now their fates have became wound together in the most extraordinary
fashion.
For the majority of their acquaintanceship, Mr Cameron has bobbed in the older
man’s wake. Boris Johnson was enjoying fame even as David Cameron, then a
13-year-old new boy, first saw that blond mop. Honours fell to the young
Boris almost in inverse proportion to the amount of effort he made to secure
them. He was considered brilliant at Eton: Cameron was not for most of his
school career.
Boris was elected to Pop, a pupil-selected elite: the schoolboy Cameron was
not. It is not clear whether Johnson helped to elect his younger peer to the
Bullingdon. It seems almost certain that he helped to trash Mr Cameron’s
room at Brasenose College, the ritual welcome to Oxford’s most notorious
dining club.
By the time that Mr Cameron joined Conservative Central Office his
near-contemporary was already making his name as a journalist, most notably
as The Daily Telegraph’sBrussels correspondent. It was said
that Mr Johnson was Margaret Thatcher’s favourite journalist. Mr Cameron has
admitted that his own encounters with Mrs Thatcher while she was Prime
Minister were unlikely to have left her with a favourable impression, if
indeed any impression at all.
The 1990s were a decade of brilliance for Boris, capped in 1999 with the
editorship ofThe Specator.He was still only 35 but this prize was far
from the limits of his ambition. As a youngster, he once confided to a
friend that he would like to be President of the United States. (His birth
in New York made this possible, albeit ludicrous).
By now Messrs Johnson and Cameron were joined by a third combatant, George
Osborne. The three were asked by Iain Duncan Smith to help him to prepare
for Prime Minister’s Questions. It was a demanding brief but one that Mr
Cameron performed dutifully despite enduring a very difficult time after the
birth of his disabled son, Ivan. While Mr Cameron arrived punctually at his
party leader’s office at 7am, despite sometimes having spent the night on a
hospital floor, Boris Johnson would breeze in hours later and contribute
little of use.
For men such as Mr Cameron and Mr Osborne, veterans of the party machine, it
would have been hard not to share in the whips’ view that their colleague
lacked both seriousness and application. It was an opinion that Michael
Howard barely bothered to conceal. When he took over as party leader he
first left Mr Johnson out of his Shadow Cabinet and then sacked him from the
front bench. Given that Mr Cameron was part of the Howard inner circle it
seems likely that he had some part in this dismissal.
It must have stung deeply when Mr Cameron left him out of his first Shadow
Cabinet on being made leader. Mr Johnson had been one of only 14 MPs to back
him from the start in the 2005 leadership election. When mild criticism of
Jamie Oliver by Mr Johnson provoked a media storm that threatened to
overshadow Mr Cameron’s first speech as leader to a party conference in
2006, fears that Brand Boris was too big and dangerous increased.
Whatever he might say now, it is clear that Mr Cameron was not enthusiastic
about a Boris candidature when it was first floated. For Mr Johnson it was a
shot at redemption. “There is no doubt that there has been a growing-up
process,” said an insider. “This was something where charm alone would never
be enough.” By December Mr Johnson feared that his campaign was not equal to
the task. “He started to worry, I think, that he couldn’t win it,” an
observer said. Mr Cameron and, more particularly, Mr Osborne, who was
handling the London mayoral campaign at Tory HQ, had come to the same
conclusion.
The result was the arrival of Lynton Crosby. The Australian political
consultant is credited with turning the campaign around. It was decided to
pursue a strategy that concentrated on Tory-leaning boroughs.
Today Mr Cameron is full of praise, both in public and private, for his
candidate.
The final credit for a Johnson victory would have to go to the candidate. He
has laundered his reputation as a gaffe-prone, lightweight idler with a
campaign of energy and discipline. Homer’sIliadis Johnson’s
central text. Part of the charm of Boris Johnson is that he invites his
public to see his life in heroic terms.
Even if his campaign were to end in defeat it would be cast as an heroic
failure. But Boris thinks he is better than that. Flawed but brilliant, he
wants to take his place in the field of honour where he has always thought
that he belonged.
Ascent of Boris
— Born June 19, 1964
— School: Eton College (captain of school)
— College: Balliol College, Oxford University, 2:1 in classics
— Media CV: The Times (sacked) The Daily Telegraph, The
Spectator
— Elected MP for Henley 2001, appointed to front bench 2004
I think the US can sign Boris if we agree on a nice transfer fee. Actually, I would support a transfer market for politicians. I think this could be a great incentive system. So Mr Brown, you underperformed, I'll transfer you to Sudan on a free transfer.
Krisztian, London,
If Lynton Crosby is so brilliant then the two Howerds in their General elections must have been totally unelectable. Or in the case of Michael Howerd was it just a hopeless manifesto written by David Cameron?
aramis, Chineham, UK
"Ken is a man of London, he mixes with us and lives among us. He was robbed.
Sarah, London"
Perhaps sarah it might be a good idea NOT to use the word 'robbed' until Ken's tenure as mayor has been audited. You might find it was YOU who was robbed. Do you hear the sound of overworked shredders? I do.
Geo, Glasgow,
...and at least he's not Ken who became smug, complacent and didn't listen to his electorate. However I'd give Boris 2 years to screw it up.......
David Livesley, Woodstock, USA
I am so fed up about hearing the ins and outs of Eton and the privileged so-called 'elite', the sentence 'brilliant at Eton' makes me sick. I had been a floating voter but this admiration of people for happening to have a rich mummy and daddy is turning me completely against the Conservative party.
Alice, Sheffield,
As someone who was sympathetic to New Labour, it was the charm and obvious intellect of Boris Johnson that, in part, led me to do the unthinkable and put my x next to the Tory candidate.
Arnold Ward, Weybridge, Surrey, UK
I seem to recall and article where Boris stated that he had renounced his US citizenship because he had made the mistake of traveling to the US on his UK passport on his way to Mexico and was denied entry. Something about if one is a US citizen, one can only enter the country with a US passport.
John Roche, Cologny, Switzerland
Having got totally fed up with being told that Gordon Brown has a mega-intellect yet makes such shocking policies it is refreshing to hear about Boris who seems to be genuinely intelligent yet does not force it down your neck.
Bill, Harrogate, UK
But what if his majority was composed entirely of people who would have voted for a climate-change denier irrespective of the party he claimed to represent? This could be the end of a beautiful friendship....
Ian Kemmish, Biggleswade, UK
Boris for PM!
Tom Franklin, London, UK
Boris lets it all hang out - the whole wonderfully educated and super-intelligent brainful - whilst speaking English properly. And makes us laugh as we lap it up.
He makes every other politician on the planet (except maybe Arnie) look like a posturing, pompous and phoney git having us on.
Tallulah, Hove, UK
I think I'd rather have Boris as our President than our current choices....BORIS 08'!!!! LOL
Matt Jones, Corona, California, USA
Boris Johnson is utterly brilliant. And loveable. An unusual combination, particularly in politics. No wonder everybody wants him... Londoners will not regret their choice.
RoseWhite, York, UK
actually jesus was jewish there was no such thing as christianity until after his death
Joe, Burlington,
When people talk about a "Christian Nation"..it can be a bit hard sometimes to discern what that means. Is it sometimes just used to blame one's problems on "the other". Wouldn't Jesus be considered the first Christian, and therefore the exemplar? Didn't he say to love one's neighbor? All people?
Karen, Juneau, USA
Boris is young man in the top but, London can forget Ken Livingstone.
http://allainjulesblog.blogspot.com/
Allain Jules, Paris, FRANCE
Boris has an interesting track record. I don't think one can argue that they don't know where he is coming from and what he intends to do. A candidate like Obama, on the other hand, has very wonderful willowy words to say, but like any true laborite it means the death knell of the middle class.
Joe, New York,
Boris may be hiding a highly intellectual mind under that mess of bed-head hair, but I do not have the patience or the inclination to decifer the jumbled mumblings that leave his lips. It's totally incomprehensible!
Ken is a man of London, he mixes with us and lives among us. He was robbed......
Sarah, London,
maybe there is some hope for britain after getting rid of red ken. that one should go straight to the basement of the tower. and flush out his cronies that are the 5th column within.
i hope boris has the courage to drain the swamp
george hayduke, syd, au
this thread is brilliant...as with most of the comments on politics on these pages- the majority of right whingers - critics of Brown and Labour - are ex pats or foreigners and the majority of supporters of the left are usually British and British based!!! hope yet for GB and GB...
phil durrant, york, england
Boris? De Valera was also born in the US of A
tony, cape town,
Just when we thought we had got away from all this, the country seems to want to buy back into a white, male, Old Etonian, Oxford-educated elite. At best we'll get an updated but patronising Tory paternalism; at worst, a neo-Thatcherite clique, who'd privatise their grandmothers for a quick buck
Richard, Bexhill, UK
Could Boris prove to be a larger than life character on a par with Winston Churchill, who was also half-American and turned out to be a great leader? I have great hopes for the Johnson mayoralty, since it could be the springboard for David Cameron to win the next general election.
Mike Mitchell, Spalding, England
Have I got news for you! Well done Boris at last someone who can admit faults and be realistic a real englishman
Gerard Cahill, Halifax,
To all Yanks trying to get their hands on our Boris: You already have one - Ron Paul. He's older, craggier and blunter than Bozza, but they are both true libertarians at heart. So why don't you vote for him?
PaulD, Essex, England
This is all an inverted pyramid of piffle.
Alex, London,
Liberation Day, May 1st 2008. As a Londoner I want to say Thank You to Boris for taking on, and beating, Ken and his cheerleaders in the media who smeared Boris as a racist, bumbling fool. I can't describe the relief I felt when the result was finally announced. 'Bye Ken, enjoy your retirement.
Stephen, London, England
Stafford Tony - it sounds very much like you WANT Boris to fail - I mean such ill will towards a man before he has even completed his first day in office. So much sour grapes is bad for indigetsion don't you know!
Philip Lewis, Colwyn Bay, Wales
And I wonder Carnery, who has the principle or grit necessary to save America from the non ethnic natives...
Farrukh, Woking, UK
We americans are not suggesting that Mr. Boris would be the best candidate for president but in light of the current choices he couldn't possibly be worse than what we have to choose from at present. America has a history of giving an individual a chance regardless of past. Let him have a go I say.
Douglas C Gruesbeck, Cedar Lake , USA Michigan
I would like to know how it is that the Mayor of London shares with me his first name. Can someone explain this?
Thank you.
Boris Nicoloff, Garden City, Michigan, USA
Neither Johnson nor Cameron have the principle or grit necessary to save Britain, either as an independent country (from the EU), as a nation-state of ethnic natives of the the British Isles (from the immigrant flood, especially from the 3rd World), or as a Christian kingdom (from Islamicization).
Carney, Maryland, USA
A lot of Australians were pleased to see the end of Lynton Crosby in our politics. His wedge and dog whistle ways, happily embraced by the then Australian Prime minister Howard, were not what we wanted.
margie , victoria, australia
why anyone would ever vote labour again is mind boggling. the welfare monster they have created is draining this country (and its middle class) bone dry. this at a time where britain has the highest cost of living in the developed world...labour is out of touch. go boris!
Alex, London, England
I had assumed that Red Ken would be mayor-for-life, and between the results in London and the council elections, it would seem that reports of the death of the Tory party have been premature. I'm a longtime Boris fan, and look forward to seeing David Cameron in No. 10 before too long!
Philip Terzian, Washington, DC, USA
I think Americans calling for Boris for President here are just frustrated with a 2 party political system fraught with corruption. For a country this size to only provide two choices in November is pathetic. We don't know anything about London's new mayor but it's refreshing to see him take office.
Ronald Peturs, Cornwall, USA
Cameron's son is named Ivan. Johnson is named Alexander Boris. Is there some Czarist connection going on in the Tory Party? This just isn't 'good enough'.
Joe, London, UK
Abe Beame was born in London, he went on to become Mayor of New York City (1974-1978, although a poor one).
The United States is less of were you are from and more of what you currently are, mainly being an American.
JC, New York, New York , United States
If McCain is elected President of the US, there will be two in office who do not care what others think - they simply do what they believe is right!
M. Summers, Shreveport, USA
If he is born in New York, he is a natural born US citizen. One can be born with 2 citizenships, both natural born. However, he would have to live in the US 14 years before being eligible to run for president. I would consider him if he could fulfill that requirement.
Nunu, Chicago, USA
Yay! We want to go to London and celebrate!! No more ridiculous pronouncements by "Red Ken". The U.S. ex-pat, Autumn, sounds like a snob. Get over yourself! We are just thrilled in America that London has seen the light!
Deane Pradzinski, Highland, CA, USA
I think its folly to think that Boris would become president here. Everyone should get that out of their minds.
I think this will be good for London. I have several friends who live in London and they hated Livingston. If anything, it will bring a fresh new perspective to the political process.
Michael Thierry, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Rebulid the empire.
Lance Eppard, Ventura California, USA
Boris run London as Mayor , online. Establish the necessary years of US Residency needed to run for US Office by moving here immediately, and fly over Pond when necessary. Boris you could perform most of the duties for London via online telecommunications .It 's a new day and this can be managed.
Dr Tris , Los Angeles , USA
With so many Americans hostile to Obama because of his "Muslim" name, do you really think we'd go for a bloke with a Russkie moniker like "Boris"?
Aredee, Madison, WI, USA
Can I comb his hair, please?
victoria, London,
Boris is easily the most entertaining politician on either side of the Atlantic and the massive Tory victory has given heart to Republicans for own epic struggle.
William Phelps, Los Angeles, USA
Congratulations to our brother Brits. Thanks for showing us Conservatives can restore responsible government. Our ‘Progressives’ should see this as a harbinger of what's coming for them in November. Great auspices for common sense in the 'common man' on both sides of the pond. Cheers!
Richard, Cary, North Carolina, USA
Go Boris! We need someone authentic just like you in the US next time around to run for Prez and bring some humor to our very boring and too long political process.
Kate , Sudbury MA, USA
boris for president in 2016 in the usa after 2 terms of barack obama's term ends!!!!!
tercera, puebla ,
thank god for Boris and the conservatives. if a socialist labour system works so well why is the wealth disparity growing? why do we wait 6 months for a basic hernia operation (personal experience)? why do we have the highest petrol/house/food prices in the developed world? Tax tax tax tax tax..
Alex, London, England
We should be so fortunate in the US to have such politeness and class in our politicians as you enjoy in London. Cheers to all the candidates.
P Humphries, Stateline, Nevada,, USA
What a Night! Well Done Boris you deserve to win. You listened, showed commitment, dedication and self-belief, by not batting an eye at some of the derogatory insults thrown at you.
<br/>
<br/>I am elated you have proved your critics wrong by winning overwhelmingly.
Veronica Bruce-Williams, Pinner, Middlesex
I can never thank Mr. Johnson enough for ousting Livingstone.
Livingstone embodied everything I despise in the hard left. He must have done a miserable job as Mayor to get bounced.
Well done, Boris! Well done!
G Borman, Bloomfield, US
Boris certainly is in demand. Why don't we auction him off. I think there are enough here in Australia who are already fed up with the Dudd Labor government. Perhaps we should pass the hat around.
Charlie, Melbourne, Australia
Al Franken, running for senator of Minnesota could learn a few from Boris.
Pay your taxes, you idiot.
Fred, Tx.
fred, Lovelady, usa
I think what William from Maryland means in his comment is that we should prefer to choose leaders from obvious candidates and push them to office versus the politician who passionately wants the power of office-and will do anything to get it.
James, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
To Robert in Paris...re: "having French blood"
Anyone who cherishes liberty has "American Blood" in them regardless of where they live or where they were born.
We appreciate the history and culture that Britain and France provided to us.
Scott Waller, Keller TX, USA
Sorry Boris, but I'm voting Jesse Ventura for president!
Steve, Wisconsin, USA,
Wants to be President? Send him over. He has my vote, sight unseen.
John Hinton, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
So another conservative wins a major election. I guess the American Left is, once again, missing the boat. They say that the world doesn't respect us anymore. Well, this election, like the one in France, shows that the world now prefers responsible leadership, as we have had with President Bush.
paskunia, North Jersey, USA
To all Americans here claiming for Boris as president: sorry folks, I have pre-empted him long ago for France. Also, he happens to have some French blood, as opposed to just an American passport.
Robert Marchenoir, Paris, France
leila , manchester, uk
Can you let us know what reason you have for that assertion? Other than hearsay and rhetoric, all fact-based evidence suggests that he is indeed bumbling with no sign of any significant competencies when it comes to running anything.
Stratford Tony, Salisbury, UK
Forget the POTUS, if he succeeds in London, the most interesting US positions would be mayor of NYC and Chicago, respectively. Curiously, he'd likely be more electable than many think.
Ed Debevic, Chicago, Chicagoland
Now. Can Londoners drive around at peace at any time ?
anita watts, brussels, belgium
I am totally surprised that a Tory won in London. I would love to see the debates. (if there were any)
Harland, Jeffery, Wisconsin, USA
Why are a few Americans so critical of those who wish to have Mr. Johnson as our President. Personally, I deem it impossible, but the fantasy is fantastic, especially since the choice(s) of John McCain/Clinton/Obama for President really leaves a sour taste in my mouth. Wish we had a choice.
Mark, Virginia, USA
Boris sounds very reasonable. I am impressed with his message and vigor. He seems to be a straight shooter, and has a vision that could help London.
He seems more middle of the road on politics, which is what I wish the Democratic party in America would do. Meet in the middle and work together.
Todd, Dallas, USA
Boris , Boris give us a wave Boris Boris !
Boris , Boris give us a wave Boris Boris !
Martin , England
Martin, Sandbach, England
The Americans who have posted comments on this web site are to be admired for bursting that long held conception by the English that Americans don't care about politics!
As a past resident of London, I was never able to find anyone that wanted a mayor when we had a referendum about 9 years ago!
Ultan, Belturbet, Co. Cavan, Ireland
I think I have found my write-in candidate [ Boris Johnson ] for President of the US in November!!!
Harris Johnson, Greensboro NC, USA
How about a different American viewpoint....
Regardless of the legality as to whether he could become President, do you really think he would stand a chance? This country is more ready for a woman or black president than a Briton. I prefer the war hero. Keep him London, you need him more.
Tom, Seattle, USA
Listen, Americans: you can't have Boris, we want him here.
Gerry, exeter, england
Don't be fooled by his bumbling manner. Beneath it lies a highly intelligent man who will handle London brilliantly and without fear or favour.
leila , manchester, uk
Good on you and you are Welcome to come to America and be our next president!
Willy Brown, Chesapeake, USA
How about Mayor of London and President at the same time. Then we can annex London or possibly join the EU. He'll get a cool airplane out of the deal plus 500 channels on the TV. We'll get a new brand of illegals and great beer.
mick, fredericksburg, US
Ms. Cartwright errs. Boris Johnson, born in New York, is a natural-born citizen of the United States -- UNLESS his father was an accredited foreign diplomat.
There is no Constitutional disability to Mr. Johnson's becoming president, after a minimum residency of 14 years.
Warren Wetmore, Hampton, Virginia,, USA
When I saw that Boris had won a smile crept on my face, I think he will be good for moral if nothing else !
Justin Bilton, Telford, England
To the outraged: The American political process-winner takes all-forces candiates to the center and requires them to make their compromises before, rather than after, elections. Boris, if he entered the American political arena, would face a far more daunting task than "Questions in Parliament."
William, Frederick, Maryland, USA
Well, Well! As Mr Franklin, former ambassador to the Court of George III used to say, a little change on occasion is good for the soul!
Wish him the best of British Luck!
Dave, Seattle,
I can't believe how many ignorant comments there are by Americans. As an American living in London I am embarrassed to see that Americans would consider a man for President simply because he was born in the US.
I love the US, but see due to comments like this how the US has become what it has.
Autumn, London (US Ex-pat) ,
Economy, Defense, Culture - in solidarity with US and Russia.
EUROPE must turn away from failing Socialism and Muslim takeover but return to CHRISTIAN civilization, law, order and free enterprise. Look to Merkel, Sarkozy, Berlusconi, etc. People are sick of the LEFT, RED politicians! Freedom !
Tom, New York, US
Mr Cameron is chained to Boris Johnson .
Lyton Crosby needs to be kept on.
Labour will not be able to avoid fighting the next election on Cameron's background and the politics of envy.While we might only bother about his competence to impliment and lead ,Labour will have the Boris flank to open.
robert everitt, wolverhampton,
Mr Johnson's New York birth does not make him eligible for the Presidency. According to the US constitution, he would have to be a natural-born citizen (I presume his citizenship is British!) and would have to have lived in the US for 14 years.
Beth Cartwright, Charlottesville, VA, USA
To all our friends across the water who want Boris to lead them - you probably deserve him.
There is absolutely no evidence in Boris's career to date that he is capable of running anything. Rather, it can only be a matter of days if not hours before he makes a major gaff and looks a total idiot.
Stratford Tony, Salisbury, UK
Mr. Schwartznegger has shown that a "clown" and an actor, also following his predescesor Ronald Regan, could be elected governor of California, and could contemplate the idea of running for president, then why not Boris? Sounds better to me that the 3 we now must choose from.
Marilyn Wells, Phoenix, AZ, USA
It was said by Benjamin Stein to Glen Beck last night on US television (CNN) that there was no conservative candidate even in sight available to inspire the real Republican Party here. Yes there is!
Robert J. Martin, Rockholds, Kentucky, USA
Ludicrous? At this point in the states, a real conservative like Mr. Johnson would be a welcome breath of fresh air!
Ray, Detroit, Michigan, USA
He seems like a breath of fresh air from 'Red Ken' who blamed U.S. for everything wrong in London.
Drew, NYC
Drew, New York, United States
Hear Hear. Boris for President. If we cannot have Maggie, then Boris will do.
Dean, Kula, Sandwich islands
How soon can we get him back here to the States?
Ron, SAINT PETERSBURG, FL, USA
I'm with you William from Maryland! Mr. Johnson certainly has to be better than the 3 clowns we have to choose from now.
Cindy , Orinda, California, United States
Indeed, I'd rather have Boris as President than any of the current candidates.
Johnny, San Diego, California, USA
Maryland, USA here. Lets get back to that "Wanting to be President" thing.
William, Frederick, Maryland, USA
Hum.
the impression I got was That Boris didn't want to run as mayor but having been strong armed into it by Cameron decided to make the best fist of it he could.
Having got involved I think he will do it well.
He's that sort.
Thalia, London,