Boris Johnson’s New Memoir "Unleashed": A Deep Dive into the Revelations
Boris Johnson’s highly anticipated memoir, Unleashed, is set to hit the shelves this Thursday, and it promises to be a captivating read filled with insights from the former Prime Minister’s tumultuous political career. The memoir has been long-awaited, especially after it was revealed in January last year that Johnson received a staggering £510,000 advance for the book—significantly higher than the £7,674 advance given to his successor, Liz Truss, for her own memoir, 10 Years To Save The West. As the release date approaches, extracts from Unleashed have already stirred considerable controversy and discussion. Here, we break down ten key revelations from Johnson’s memoir.
1. A Regretful Apology for Partygate
One of the most striking admissions in Unleashed is Johnson’s retraction of his apologies regarding the infamous "partygate" scandal, which played a significant role in his political downfall. He candidly admits to making a “mistake” by offering “a series of rather pathetic apologies” for events he knew little about. Johnson reflects that his attempts at groveling only fueled public anger, illustrating the disconnect between his actions and public sentiment during the lockdown era.
2. A Belief in Electoral Victory
Despite the controversies that led to his resignation in July 2022, Johnson remains adamant that he would have won the subsequent general election had he stayed in power. He describes the decision by his cabinet colleagues and MPs to force him out as “eccentric” and insists that the Conservative Party’s disastrous performance under Rishi Sunak proves his point. Johnson’s unwavering confidence in his electoral prowess raises questions about his understanding of the political landscape following his departure.
3. A Bugging Device Incident
In a bizarre revelation, Johnson recounts an incident involving a bugging device found in his bathroom after a visit from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Johnson claims that his security team discovered the device during a routine sweep following Netanyahu’s use of the facilities. This anecdote not only adds a layer of intrigue to Johnson’s time in office but also raises questions about the security protocols in place during high-profile visits.
4. The "Aquatic Raid" for COVID Vaccines
In a dramatic account, Johnson describes a proposed military operation to seize COVID vaccines from the Netherlands. He discusses plans for troops to use inflatable boats to navigate Dutch canals and secure vaccines that were delayed due to EU regulations. However, some former ministers have cast doubt on the authenticity of this claim, suggesting it may have been a joke that Johnson later embellished for his memoir.
5. Macron’s Alleged Manipulation of Migrant Crossings
Johnson claims that French President Emmanuel Macron may have been “weaponising” the issue of migrant crossings in the English Channel to undermine Brexit. He suggests that Macron allowed the crossings to continue as a means of driving the British public “nuts.” This assertion highlights the contentious relationship between the UK and France during Johnson’s tenure and raises questions about the political motivations behind immigration policies.
6. The Blockage of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s Release
In a poignant revelation, Johnson accuses former Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson of blocking a deal that could have secured the release of British-Iranian dual national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. Johnson claims that Williamson’s concerns about the money potentially ending up in the hands of Hezbollah delayed her release for five years. This admission sheds light on the complexities and challenges of international diplomacy during his time in office.
7. David Cameron’s Threat Over Brexit
Johnson recounts a tense moment with former Prime Minister David Cameron, who allegedly threatened to derail Johnson’s career if he did not support the Remain campaign during the Brexit referendum. This anecdote not only reveals the high stakes of political alliances but also illustrates the intense pressure faced by politicians during pivotal moments in history.
8. Insights on Queen Elizabeth II’s Health
In a personal reflection, Johnson reveals that he was aware of Queen Elizabeth II’s health struggles, specifically that she had a form of bone cancer, prior to his resignation. He describes his final visit to Balmoral Castle and the conversations surrounding her declining health, providing a glimpse into the personal side of political leadership during a time of national mourning.
9. The "Manly Pep Talk" with Prince Harry
Johnson shares an amusing account of a request from Buckingham Palace for him to give Prince Harry a “manly pep talk” to persuade him to remain in the UK. While the meeting reportedly took place, sources have since claimed that it was not an official request from the Royal Family, adding a layer of intrigue to Johnson’s interactions with the monarchy.
10. A Comparison to Julius Caesar
In a dramatic flourish, Johnson compares his political downfall to that of Julius Caesar, suggesting that the resignation of Rishi Sunak felt like a betrayal akin to Brutus’s infamous act. He reflects on the emotional weight of Sunak’s resignation letter, muttering the historical phrase associated with Caesar’s last words. This comparison underscores Johnson’s perception of his political journey as one fraught with betrayal and intrigue.
Conclusion
Boris Johnson’s Unleashed promises to be a compelling memoir filled with revelations that will undoubtedly spark debate and discussion. From reflections on his political missteps to intriguing anecdotes involving world leaders and the Royal Family, Johnson’s narrative offers a unique lens through which to view his controversial tenure as Prime Minister. As the release date approaches, it remains to be seen how these revelations will be received by the public and critics alike.