In his recently published memoir "Unleashed," Boris Johnson reveals startling claims about the political maneuvering surrounding the 2016 Brexit referendum. The book, released 8 years after the historic vote, sheds light on the intense pressure and negotiations that occurred behind closed doors.
According to Johnson, former Prime Minister David Cameron employed both carrot and stick tactics to secure his support for the Remain campaign. During a tennis match, Cameron allegedly offered Johnson a "top-five job in the Cabinet" in exchange for backing the pro-EU stance. This offer came at a crucial time, as Johnson was serving his final months as Mayor of London, a position he held from 2008 to 2016.
However, the most shocking revelation involves a purported threat from Cameron. Johnson writes that the then-Prime Minister warned him, "If you do that, I will f--- you up for ever," should he choose to support the Leave campaign. This alleged conversation took place during a phone call to City Hall, the headquarters of the Greater London Authority.
"If you do that, I will f--- you up for ever."
Johnson's dilemma was rooted in his long-standing criticism of the European Union. As a journalist for The Times and The Daily Telegraph, he had written extensively about what he perceived as the EU's undemocratic features. The EU, formally established on November 1, 1993, had been a contentious issue within the Conservative Party for decades.
The book also reveals an unexpected proposal from Philip Hammond, who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2016 to 2019. According to Johnson, Hammond suggested ousting Theresa May in the aftermath of the disastrous 2017 general election, where the Conservative Party lost their majority. Hammond allegedly proposed a "Hammond-Johnson partnership" to lead the government, an offer Johnson claims he declined.
These revelations provide insight into the complex political landscape that followed the Brexit referendum. The Leave campaign's narrow victory, with 51.89% of the vote, set in motion a series of events that would reshape British politics. Cameron resigned as Prime Minister on July 13, 2016, paving the way for May's premiership.
Johnson's book offers a unique perspective on the referendum's aftermath, describing the fear among Leave supporters of being "crushed like bugs" and dismissed as "Powellite cranks" had the vote gone the other way. This reference to Enoch Powell, a controversial Conservative politician known for his anti-immigration stance, underscores the deep divisions within the party over EU membership.
The UK's relationship with the European Union has been a long and complex journey. From joining the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973 to officially leaving the EU on January 31, 2020, the country's stance on European integration has been a source of ongoing debate and political turmoil.
As of September 2024, 8 years after the referendum and 4 years after Brexit's implementation, the political landscape continues to evolve. Johnson's memoir adds another layer to the historical record, offering future generations a glimpse into the personal and political calculations that shaped one of the most significant decisions in recent British history.