Well-liked London mayor prepares to defy government, support exit from EU
‘Agonizingly difficult’ decision put him at odds with Cameron
Influential London Mayor Boris Johnson said Sunday he will urge British voters to leave the European Union when the country holds a June referendum on the issue.
American-born Johnson, a popular and charismatic politician long suspected of harboring ambitions to become prime minister, described his decision in a newspaper column as “agonizingly difficult.”
He said the “last thing I wanted was to go against (Prime Minister) David Cameron or the government.”
“After 30 years of writing about this I have a chance to do something,” said Johnson, who started his career as a journalist and continues to write a regular column for the Telegraph newspaper.
Johnson’s backing for a “Brexit” — a British exit from the 28-nation political bloc — was a major blow for Cameron who late last week secured concessions from EU leaders over the terms of Britain’s membership.
Another close friend and political ally of Cameron’s, Justice Minister Michael Gove, has also come out in favor of severing ties with the EU.
Johnson is the seventh senior member of Cameron’s Conservative Party, including six Cabinet members, to support the “Out” campaign.
The vote is scheduled for June 23. Polls show the nation is evenly split on the issue.
Johnson, 51, is a bigger prize because he is one of Britain’s most wellknown and loved politicians who makes headlines wherever he goes. Polls also show that he is the most popular potential Conservative Party leader candidate to replace Cameron when he steps down.
Cameron went on the offensive Sunday in a TV appearance, arguing that Britain was safer and stronger within the EU than outside it.
“In a world where you have got (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to the east and (the Islamic State) to the south, how do you stay strong?” he said. “By sticking with your neighboring countries, your partners and your friends.”
Johnson’s mayoral term expires in May. He wants his successor to be Zac Goldsmith, another Conservative politician who wants Britain to leave the European Union.
“Out” campaigners say the EU does not do enough to safeguard British interests on trade, security and welfare policies.
The “last thing I wanted was to go against (Prime Minister) David Cameron or the government.” Boris Johnson, mayor of London