Boris Johnson Biography

 

 

 

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“I could not fail to disagree with you less.” [1]

- Boris Johnson

Short Bio of Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson was born on 19th June, 1964. His full name is actually, Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson, but for obvious reasons choose to use the shortened version of Boris. However, his full name was used on an edition of Have I Got news for You, much to the delight of Paul Merton and Ian Hislop.

Boris is the son of Stanley Johnson, who is descended from Turkish ancestry. Boris was educated at Eton, and Balliol College, Oxford University, where he studied classics. During his time at Oxford University, he became president of the prestigious Oxford Union. It is claimed that, he was the preferred candidate of the Social Democrat party, although Boris claims he was never an active participant in the centre - left party. During his time at Oxford, he also became involved in various drinking clubs, such as the Bullingdon Club. This drinking society was associated with a "Hurray Henry" mentality. Boris has maintained this impression of being an Oxford toff, into his political and public life. In his own words Boris has said:

"A wise guy playing the fool to win", [2]

The media have often referred to him as "Bozzer".

On graduating from Oxford he spent one week as a management consultant, before having to resign he memorably said:

"Try as I might, I could not look at an overhead projection of a growth profit matrix, and stay conscious" [3]

boris johnsonInstead he pursued a career in journalism, gaining various jobs, before becoming editor of the Spectator in 1999. This position enabled him to gain a higher public profile. His position has also led to considerable controversy. Not least, over an editorial criticising the people of Liverpool for being "overly sentimental" in response to the murder of British hostage Ken Bigley. The editorial created uproar in Liverpool; Boris Johnson was forced by his party leader Michael Howard to travel to Liverpool to apologise for his behaviour. Biting humble pie, Boris did go to Liverpool and faced a frosty reaction.

Boris Johnson as MP.

In 2001, Boris Johnson was elected a MP for Henley on Thames, replacing Michael Heseltine. He continues to hold the position. In 2004 he was appointed shadow minister for the arts. However in November 2004, he was forced to resign over allegations of an extra marital affair with Petronella Wyatt. In 2005, he was reprieved and given the position of shadow minister for education. In 2006, allegations of another extra marital affair arose, but David Cameron did not consider it sufficient to deserve a sacking.

Boris Johnson and Mayor for London.

In July 2007, Boris Johnson resigned from his position as shadow education secretary so that he would be free to stand as Conservative candidate for Mayor London. It is an intriguing possibility. Boris has widespread appeal, even from those who are not natural Tories. However, others consider him to be a bit of a joker. It is uncertain whether he would be able to defeat the incumbent Ken Livingstone. However, Boris has the implied backing of David Cameron so has a reasonable chance.

Boris Johnson and Cycling

Boris is well known for his love of cycling and frequently commutes to work through the busy streets of London. He has had many bikes stolen and has written extensively on the injustice of bike theft. For example, he notes that on having a bike stole people usually respond by criticising the cyclist for not taking sufficient precautions or buying a bike that is too flash. He admits that he has fantasised over leaving dummy bikes as bait for thieves and then set the navy seals on to the criminals.
Boris also got into controversy over an incident of speaking into a mobile phone whilst cycling. In the Daily telegraph there was a strong letter of criticism about his action. However, Boris stuck to his guns saying that using a mobile phone was not against any law.

Some Boris quotes from the Have I got News for You:

“We're moving irresistably towards a conclusion.”

“Badgers badgers badger badger badgers.”

“There may be a reason I can't think of but the problem with that reason is that I can't think of it now.”

“I think I was once given cocaine but I sneezed so it didn't go up my nose. In fact, it may have been icing sugar.”

Usually the show lasts for 30 minutes. With Boris in the chair there were frequent pauses and time getting through questions. Merton and Hislop affectionately refer to Johnson as "Wodehousian", and agree that "every time he's on it gets better".

Boris Johnson and Top Gear

Boris Johnson appeared on Top Gear, and performed with his customary bumbling persona. He came 9th from last, just a little ahead of Terry Wogan. He also drove for much of the lap with his shoulder on the horn. later asking who was beeping him.

References

[1] 2004 winner of the Foot in Mouth Award from the Plain English Campaign, for his comment on the 12 December 2003 edition of Have I Got News For You [1]
[2] Boris Johnson, Sunday Times, 16 July 2000, p. 17.
[3] The Herald (Glasgow), 13 November 2004, p. 15.

 

Boris Johnson Links

 

The Rise of Boris Johnson at Amazon.co.uk