House of Commons | Pa Images | Getty Images Outgoing UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson bid farewell to lawmakers in his own inimitable style, as he pleaded with British MPs not to pay too much attention to Twitter, described the leader of the opposition Labor Party as a “useless human pillar” and — his final shot — channeled Arnold Schwarzenegger as he told the House of Commons, “Hasta la vista, baby.” Johnson, who is stepping down when a successor is elected after a series of scandals and controversies, spoke to lawmakers on Wednesday in his final session of the weekly Prime Minister’s Questions event, in which he defended his position in office and offered his words separation in Parliament. He reminded the House that he had helped win the Conservative Party its biggest majority in 40 years at the 2019 election and had overseen a “massive reshuffle of UK politics” on Brexit as well as overseeing Britain’s response to the pandemic Covid-19 and support for Ukraine, saying “the mission is largely accomplished — for now.” Johnson also had some advice for his successor – with either former finance minister Rishi Sunak or Foreign Secretary Liz Truss elected by Conservative Party members, with the winner announced on September 5 – saying: “I want to use the last few seconds to give some advice to my successor, whoever he may be.” Here were Johnson’s five nuggets of wisdom:
1) “Stay close to the Americans”
Johnson’s first advice was to maintain the UK’s cherished “special relationship” with the US, particularly as both countries try to support Ukraine and Britain tries to cement a trade deal with the US. Johnson and President Joe Biden appeared to be at ease in each other’s company, with the pair joking together at various recent gatherings of world leaders, including the G-7 and NATO summits. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Joe Biden in Carbis Bay Cornwall after their meeting ahead of the G7 Summit on 10 June 2021. Andrew Parsons | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images In the wake of Johnson’s resignation as Tory party leader last month, Biden issued a statement saying “close cooperation” between the countries would continue, particularly in support of Ukraine, although he did not mention Johnson or his departure.
2) “Stand up for Ukrainians”
Along with the US, Britain has arguably been Ukraine’s staunchest supporter and defender in terms of sending arms to Kyiv to help it deal with Russia’s invasion and imposing a series of sanctions on Russia following its unprovoked aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson walk in Independence Square after a meeting as Russia’s offensive on Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, Ukraine, April 9, 2022. Presidential Press Service of Ukraine | Reuters Johnson was one of the first Western leaders to visit Kyiv amid the conflict, a bold move echoed by other leaders and by Johnson, who last visited the Ukrainian capital in June. Speaking to Ukraine’s parliament, Johnson invoked Britain’s wartime spirit, known as the “Blitz spirit” when it faced Nazi bombing during World War II, to encourage Ukrainians to carry on. In contrast to more divided public sentiment at home, Johnson has become a popular figure in Ukraine because of the UK’s support for the country in its time of need.
3) “Tax cuts and deregulation”
Johnson’s third nugget of advice was a bit of a jab at the Treasury, Britain’s finance ministry headed by Sunak, who is now one of two contenders vying to replace Johnson. It was no secret that there were tensions between 10 Downing Street and the Treasury with Johnson advocating lower taxes and more borrowing, while Sunak recently raised taxes and argued that borrowing should be curbed. Former British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak won the most votes in the second round of voting. Leon Neal | Getty Images “Cut taxes and deregulate where you can to make this the best place to live and invest, as it is,” Johnson said, adding: “I love the Treasury Department, but remember if we always listened to the Treasury Department, we wouldn’t they’ll have built the M25 or the Channel Tunnel’, referring to huge, expensive infrastructure projects that have revolutionized Britain’s transport routes around London and into the continent.
4) “Focus on the Road Ahead”
Continuing a transportation theme, Johnson’s next piece of advice was to “focus on the road ahead, but always remember to check the mirror,” which drew laughter from lawmakers Wednesday. It’s hard to know exactly what Johnson was referring to, but the phrase echoes one of Johnson’s key struggles in government in recent months, when he has been plagued by accusation after accusation of rule-breaking. As more reports emerged of parties in Downing Street and other government departments during the Covid lockdowns, Johnson and his leadership team sought to dismiss the reports. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson makes a statement at Downing Street in London, Britain, July 7, 2022. Henry Nicholls | Reuters Even after an investigation proved there had been parties that shouldn’t have happened, Johnson tried desperately to focus on the road ahead and said the public wanted to move on. Political support for Johnson was resilient as the ‘partygate’ scandal continued, but ultimately the straw that broke the camel’s back was the appointment of an official who had sexual harassment allegations against him, which it emerged Johnson knew despite the claim. no to. A wave of resignations by top officials followed, and despite resisting the urge to quit, Johnson relented on July 7 when he announced he would step down, setting off a leadership battle.
5) “Twitter doesn’t count. is the people”
Johnson’s final advice to his successors and fellow lawmakers was not to pay too much attention to comments on social media, a digital space that is often lively and destructive or serves as an echo chamber that reinforces his own point of view. “Remember, above all, it’s not Twitter that counts, it’s the people who sent us here,” Johnson said, reminding members of parliament (MPs) to put their constituents, who elect them to their seats, first. at the top of their agenda. Johnson was MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip from 2015 and previously for Henley from 2001 to 2008. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves after making a statement at Downing Street in London, Britain, July 7, 2022. Peter Nicholls | Reuters Whether Johnson will now return to a quieter life serving his constituents remains to be seen. Both Rishi Sunak and Truss, when asked in a televised debate to raise their hands if they would give Johnson a job in a new cabinet, did not. Although not a reference to “The Terminator’s” other famous catchphrase – “I’ll be back” – Johnson’s parting words “Hasta la vista, baby” or “see you later”, have led political commentators to wonder whether the Boris Johnson, a charismatic politician who played a bit too fast and loose with the rules, is planning a comeback.
