Boris Johnson Comeback: Is A Political Resurrection On The Cards?

Felix Dubois

4 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

4.1

Share

Johnson's Current Standing and Public Perception

Post-Premiership Activities and Public Image

Since leaving office, Boris Johnson has maintained a high profile. His public appearances, ranging from speaking engagements to media interviews, have kept him in the public eye, albeit with mixed results. This constant presence is a key element of any potential Boris Johnson comeback strategy.

• Positive Coverage: Some appearances, particularly those focusing on international affairs or his achievements as Prime Minister, have garnered positive media attention, reminding voters of his charisma and perceived strengths.
• Negative Coverage: Conversely, other appearances have been met with criticism, reviving controversies from his time in office and highlighting continued divisions within the Conservative Party. The ongoing Partygate scandal continues to cast a long shadow.
• Polling Data: Recent polls offer a mixed picture. While some show a segment of the population still holds him in high regard, others reveal a significant portion remains unconvinced, highlighting the challenges a Boris Johnson comeback faces. His approval ratings fluctuate considerably depending on the issue at hand.

Support within the Conservative Party

The level of support Johnson enjoys within the Conservative Party is crucial for any potential comeback bid. While a significant faction remains loyal, others actively oppose his return.

• Pro-Johnson Faction: Certain prominent figures within the party openly advocate for his return, believing he remains the best candidate to lead the Conservatives to electoral victory.
• Anti-Johnson Faction: Conversely, many within the party are wary of his controversial past and perceive his return as a significant risk to their electoral prospects and party unity.
• Sunak's Leadership: The current Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, faces challenges in maintaining party unity. A significant portion of Tory MPs still consider Johnson a potential threat to Sunak's leadership, and a Johnson comeback would certainly present a major challenge to Sunak's authority.

Potential Paths to a Comeback

Electoral Opportunities

Several scenarios could pave the way for a Johnson return to frontline politics.

• By-elections: Unexpected by-elections could provide an opportunity for Johnson to re-enter Parliament, potentially setting the stage for a future leadership challenge.
• General Election: The next general election presents the most obvious route back to power, although the current political landscape presents significant hurdles. His electability will depend greatly on public perception and the overall Conservative Party standing.

Alternative Roles of Influence

Even without directly seeking elected office, Johnson could maintain significant influence.

• International Roles: His experience as Prime Minister could lead to high-profile roles in international organizations or diplomatic efforts.
• Commentator/Advisor: Johnson could become a prominent commentator on political matters, wielding significant influence through media appearances and policy advice.

Obstacles to a Boris Johnson Comeback

Party Discipline and Internal Opposition

The Conservative Party's internal dynamics pose a significant challenge to a Johnson comeback.

• Party Sanctions: The party could impose sanctions or disciplinary actions, making it difficult for him to regain a prominent position.
• Internal Opposition: Deep-seated opposition within the party could effectively block any attempts at a leadership bid, even if he were to win a parliamentary seat. The level of animosity from some Tory MPs remains considerable.

Public Opinion and Scandals

The impact of past controversies remains a substantial hurdle.

• Partygate and Other Scandals: The lingering effects of various scandals continue to damage public trust and influence his electability.
• Public Trust: Rebuilding public trust is crucial, but the depth and breadth of these scandals make this a formidable challenge. Voter perception regarding his trustworthiness remains a key factor.

Conclusion

The possibility of a Boris Johnson comeback remains uncertain. While his charisma and past successes offer potential avenues for a return, significant obstacles exist in the form of party discipline, lingering scandals, and the current political landscape. Whether he chooses to actively pursue a return to frontline politics or instead opts for alternative avenues of influence remains to be seen. His continued presence in the public eye suggests that he is actively considering his options.

What do you think? Is a Boris Johnson comeback truly on the cards? Share your thoughts in the comments below using #BorisJohnsonComeback #ConservativeParty #UKPolitics.