Boris Johnson takes centre stage

Boris Johnson takes centre stage

Boris Johnson’s Spectacular Appearance at the Conservative Party Conference

The Conservative Party conference held today was nothing short of a spectacle, thanks to the appearance of one person – Boris Johnson. Arriving with a larger entourage of security guards than he had as foreign secretary, Johnson booked the largest room in the conference center, creating a buzz that started hours before the event began. Excited journalists lined up early, relishing in the fact that he had recently trolled the prime minister by jogging through a field of wheat.

Johnson’s presence sparked speculation about a possible leadership bid. The Sun reported that he had spoken to “senior Tories” about such a bid, proposing to delay Brexit negotiations for at least six months. In his speech, Johnson went beyond Brexit, laying out what seemed to be an alternative manifesto for the future of the Conservative Party.

Before diving into the details, it’s important to note that Johnson’s popularity shouldn’t be solely measured by the size of his audience. While many hardcore Boris fans were present, most attendees weren’t there purely to support him. They expressed a desire to hear from the other side and to gain a better understanding of his Europe-plus plans. However, the main reason behind their attendance seemed to be the pure entertainment value that Johnson brings. Unlike the official conference, which is often dull with wooden speeches, Johnson has a reputation for being highly entertaining. In fact, he demonstrated his knack for political drama by only attending his own speech before departing.

While some believe that Johnson’s appearance indicates an imminent leadership bid, caution should be exercised in making such assumptions. It is well-known that Johnson has long harbored ambitions to become the leader of his party, and his speech today appeared to outline an alternative manifesto. However, both Theresa May and Philip Hammond have publicly dismissed him as a serious contender, with May even going as far as calling him “not a serious” person.

Assessing the arguments for or against Johnson making a leadership bid, we find that the scales are evenly balanced. On one hand, he has become the face of Brexit, and with May’s vulnerability growing as she attempts to push the Chequers agreement through parliament, the timing may be right for Johnson to strike. On the other hand, there are significant obstacles in his path. Opinion polls suggest that he is popular among grassroots members, but his numbers may suffer if he launches a bid during such a delicate time in Brexit negotiations. Additionally, many Tory MPs hold a low opinion of him and would likely do their utmost to keep him off the leadership shortlist.

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Johnson’s performance at the conference was undeniably a spectacle. He effectively criticized Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party, branding them a “Tony Benn tribute band” and highlighting their problematic connections to the Kremlin and anti-Semitism. He also showcased his achievements as the mayor of London and criticized colleagues who prioritize leaving the EU over the terms of departure. However, while he passionately denounced the Chequers plan as a betrayal of the referendum result, he failed to offer comprehensive details about his proposed Canada-plus free-trade deal with the EU.

Ultimately, it would be unwise to read too much into Johnson’s star turn at the Conservative Party conference. While he may be vying for a leadership race and pushing for a shift from Chequers to a Canada-like agreement, his approach seems more focused on capturing the limelight than strategizing for the best outcome. Johnson is undoubtedly a showman, and now that he’s out of government, he garners far more attention than he did when he held a position of power.

In conclusion, Boris Johnson’s appearance at the Conservative Party conference captivated attendees and garnered significant media attention. While speculation about a leadership bid looms, it is crucial to consider the reaction of both party members and Tory MPs. Johnson’s performance showcased his charismatic appeal, but his speech lacked the practical details needed to solidify his credibility. Only time will tell if this was merely a moment in the spotlight or the beginning of a serious bid for leadership.