A page turns.
Conservative Boris Johnson gave his final speech on Tuesday, September 6, outside 10 Downing Street after three tumultuous years in power.
From the Brexit negotiations to the war in Ukraine, where the head of the British government wanted to be a major ally of kyiv, there was no shortage of thorny issues.
But this original prime minister has also become known for his facial expressions, grimaces and his legendary tuft of disheveled hair, immortalized by numerous shots.
Back, in pictures, on the tumultuous mandate of Boris Johnson at the head of the government of the United Kingdom.
14th Prime Minister to the Queen of England
It is said that Queen Elizabeth II had learned to appreciate "
BoJo
", despite his multiple blunders.
In 70 years of reign, Elizabeth II has experienced a succession of prime ministers.
Boris Johnson is the 14th.
When he presented himself at the Royal Palace of Buckingham in July 2019, to replace Theresa May, she would have slipped to him, ironically: “
I wonder why anyone wants this job
”.
Read alsoIn 70 years of reign, Elisabeth II has known 15 prime ministers
Boris Johnson and Queen Elizabeth II on June 23, 2020. Dominic Lipinski/Pool via REUTERS
On September 13 of the same year, the former mayor of London obtained the suspension of Parliament, a decision overturned by the Supreme Court, forcing the Prime Minister to call an emergency election.
These are the successive scandals which, finally, will bring "
BoJo
", to present his resignation to the queen this Tuesday.
Brexit Champion
“
If Boris falls, Brexit falls
,” declared Michael Heseltine, Europhile pillar of the Conservative Party.
After having had a decisive role in the British vote in favor of Brexit, Boris Johnson will have succeeded in leading the tough negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom.
After long months of negotiations, a “
trade and cooperation agreement
” was finally signed on December 30, 2020.
Signature of the Brexit agreement, December 30, 2020. Leon Neal / POOL / AFP
Approved by MPs the following day, the agreement ends a transition period three and a half years after the referendum.
Until then, European law continued to apply across the Channel.
“
We will become a friendly neighbour, the best friend and ally the EU could have, working hand in hand when our values and interests coincide
,” the Conservative leader told Parliament.
Read also Nicolas Baverez: "
Boris Johnson leaves, Brexit remains
"
Great ally of Ukraine
During Russia's military invasion of Ukraine at the end of February 2022, Johnson reacted with extreme firmness.
The United Kingdom is the first country in the world to supply kyiv with lethal weapons in January 2022. This support has only grown stronger over the months.
Boris Johnson has traveled to kyiv three times, including for Independence Day.
On Independence Day, August 24, he enthroned a plaque in his name on an alley in the city of kyiv.
A paradox: the “
Mr. Brexit
” of the United Kingdom did not hesitate to campaign for the rapid accession of Ukraine to the European Union.
Read alsoWith Boris Johnson, Ukraine loses an ally
Boris Johnson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky enthrone a plaque in the name of the head of the British government in kyiv, August 24, 2022. Genya SAVILOV / AFP
The Partygate scandal
Leaving parties,
garden parties
and Christmas parties in full confinement... The "
Partygate
" scandal was undoubtedly the major crisis of Boris Johnson's mandate.
In 2020 and 2021, in the midst of the waves of Covid-19, several parties are taking place at 10 Downing Street as well as in the ministries.
While only two people were allowed to meet outside in England, 30 to 40 people would have gathered at these parties, including the Prime Minister.
Demonstration against Boris Johnson following “Partygate”, November 2021. Tolga Akmen / AFP
In May 2022, new photos broadcast by the ITVNews channel reignited the controversy.
We see Boris Johnson in good company, toasting in Downing Street.
These images would have been taken during the farewell party of Lee Cain, its head of communication, on November 13, 2020, just a few days after the announcement of the second confinement in the United Kingdom.
However, questioned in Parliament on this specific event, Boris Johnson had assured that there had been no party and that all the rules had been respected.
This new suspicion of lying will directly lead to his resignation in July 2022.
Dilyn, the turbulent tenant of Downing Street
The dog adopted from a shelter by the Prime Minister and his companion Carrie Symonds has caused ink to flow in England.
Somewhat unruly, the jack russell would have, according to the British press, chewed on a period piece of furniture in Chequers, the second home of the head of government.
For his part, the Prime Minister willingly displayed himself with his mascot.
In his final speech on Tuesday, Boris Johnson thanked the staff who cared for the young dog.
"
I just want to say to my party, that if Dilyn and Larry (the cat) can put their occasional struggles behind them, then the Conservative Party can too
," joked Boris Johnson.
An allusion to the multiple divisions that have marred the campaign.
Dilyn, dog adopted from a shelter by the Johnson couple.
Daniel LEAL / AFP
/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/prisa/RLVRE36BJ333YNEQ2LG6XMIQSY.jpg)
