Election of Boris Johnson As UK’s Prime Minister

NEWS COMMENTARY ON THE ELECTION OF MR. BORIS JOHNSON AS THE PRIME MINISTER OF BRITAIN

UK’s former Foreign Secretary and the Mayor of London Boris Johnson has been elected to become the country’s next Prime Minister following his successful election as the leader of the Conservative Party. He resumed office as the 76th Prime Minister of the country succeeding Theresa May who announced her resignation on the 7th of last month. He expectedly and comfortably beat his rival, the current Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt by 92,153 votes to 46,656 representing 66.4 percent. Britain has experienced severe political turmoil ever since the citizenry decided in a referendum to leave the European Union some two years ago. Theresa May did all she could but circumstances were such that she was unsuccessful as she was unable to deliver the major target of her government to enable the country leave the EU. Madam May stood down after a revolt by Conservative Members of Parliament over her unpopular Brexit policy. As it stands, Britain has up to the 31st of October, this year to deliver Brexit. May’s predecessor, Mr. David Cameron did foresee the huge task ahead of the UK as being a leading member of the EU and the possibility of the country easily leaving the union they have played a leading role for 46 years. He therefore resigned after six years as the Prime Minister of Britain, amidst the uncertainties of the outcome of the unprecedented national decision on the infamous Brexit.

Mr. Johnson called on the Queen of the country for an authority to form his government. Boris Johnson is known for the great controversy surrounding his political career. His position now as the Prime Minister, is hailed just by his supporters. Within the House of Commons, he is not popular as he has no majority. He is also faced with the issue most British Prime Ministers face which is wielding the mandate of the general public as he is only approved by the members of the Conservative. He also faces huge task of uniting the nation which is sharply divided chiefly due to the Brexit drive. As per his promise, he is also expected to clinch a deal for his people or leave the EU without a deal on or before the 31st of October this year as withdrawal is definitely ruled out. Plans for leaving the UK must go ahead but from a different perspective and strategy. This is because Brexit has taken a heavy toll on the political and economic endeavours of EU member states and their citizenship. The President of France Emmanuel Macron, for instance, puts this in a very sarcastic way saying, “We will not want Brexit to pollute the EU”. The huge question Mrs May left unanswered is how to manage the deadlock over how, when or whether to leave the EU or not. This obviously is now a daunting task for Mr Johnson who will have to work hard and very diplomatically among the two divides of parliament to find a consensus on Brexit.

The formation of his government would also be of much interest to the nation and the rest the world especially Europe in relations to the Brexit albatross. Indications are that he is in talks with his rival Jeremy Hunt over the foreign secretary position. Other key positions such as the Brexit secretary, Home Secretary and the Chancellor of the Exchequer may also be a headache to the new Prime Minister. Outside the United Kingdom, Mr Johnson appears so unpopular especially among the ethnic minority groupings in the country for his derogatory comments about them and his glaring hatred and racism exhibited. Africans and Asians being the most prominent, in this respect. There is also a school of thought that Mr Johnson has a very parochial understanding of Africa as he had once referred to the continent as a country. For this and other reasons, he would have to quickly find means  of winning the confidence of Africans to enhance his policy on the continent. Boris Johnson visited Africa a number of times as leader of UK foreign policy. He visited the Gambia, Ghana and Libya to help strengthen ties. How he relates to Africa and Ghana, for that matter, would depend on his pragmatic policies and attitude towards the continent and its people. Time will definitely tell. We welcome Mr. Johnson to his new job.

BY: NANA SIFA TWUM, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT– LONDON- UK