Boris Johnson

ABOUT

Boris Johnson, born Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson on 19 June 1964, is a British politician, writer, and former journalist. As a prominent figure within the Conservative Party, Johnson served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from July 2019 until September 2022. His charismatic and often controversial public persona has made him one of the most widely recognized political figures in the UK. Before becoming Prime Minister, he served as the Mayor of London from 2008 to 2016 and as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Uxbridge and South Ruislip since 2015.

BEFORE FAME

Johnson's early life was marked by a cosmopolitan upbringing. Born in New York City, he holds both British and American citizenship. He is the eldest of four children in a privileged family with significant academic and political lineage. Johnson attended the European School, Brussels I, Ashdown House, and the prestigious Eton College. He went on to study Classics at Balliol College, Oxford, where he became president of the Oxford Union, a debating society known for nurturing future politicians.

His early career began in journalism, and he worked for various newspapers including The Times, where he was dismissed for falsifying a quote, and The Daily Telegraph, where he served as Brussels correspondent and later political columnist. In 1994, he became the editor of The Spectator, a position he held until 2005.

TRIVIA

Boris Johnson is known not just for his political acumen but also for his flamboyant personality and frequent gaffes. Some interesting trivia about Johnson includes:

• He has published several books, including "The Churchill Factor" and "Seventy-Two Virgins."
• Known for his shaggy blonde hair and scruffy appearance, he is often depicted in political cartoons.
• Johnson has a keen interest in classical history, often drawing parallels between contemporary politics and ancient civilizations.
• He once famously got stuck on a zip line while promoting the London 2012 Olympics, an incident that captured global media attention.

FAMILY LIFE

Boris Johnson's family life is both colorful and complex. He is the son of Stanley Johnson, a former politician and author, and Charlotte Fawcett, a painter. He has one brother, Jo, a former Minister of State, and two sisters, Rachel, a journalist, and Leo, a filmmaker and entrepreneur.

Johnson has been married three times. His first marriage to Allegra Mostyn-Owen was annulled. He then married Marina Wheeler, a barrister, with whom he has four children: Lara Lettice, Milo Arthur, Cassia Peaches, and Theodore Apollo. Johnson's marriage to Wheeler ended in separation announced in 2018. In 2021, he married Carrie Symonds, a conservationist and former communications director for the Conservative Party. The couple has two children together.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Throughout his political career, Boris Johnson has been associated with several key figures and movements. He is closely linked with former Prime Minister David Cameron, under whom he first ascended to national political prominence. Johnson was also a leading figure in the "Vote Leave" campaign during the Brexit referendum alongside Michael Gove.

Internationally, Johnson has had varied relationships with global leaders, including a sometimes tumultuous rapport with former U.S. President Donald Trump, with whom he shares a populist approach to politics. On the opposition side within the UK, he has faced off against Labour Party leaders such as Jeremy Corbyn and Keir Starmer.

Within the Conservative Party, Johnson has a complex relationship with members, often seen as a polarizing figure who nonetheless commands significant grassroots support. His career continues to be a point of fascination both within the UK and globally.