Question of loyalty
TO QUOTE Boris Johnson himself, he should stop being such a ‘great big girl’s blouse’. It does not suit him to go into a mega sulk.
I have always said that Boris’s instincts are liberal and given him the greatest credit in the world for appointing ethnically the most diverse cabinet in British political history. He enjoys huge support among Indians in particular.
Of course, it is easy to understand that he feels bitter that Rishi Sunak’s resignation as chancellor triggered his downfall. But all things considered, his premiership appeared to be coming to an end. It is possible he could have carried on till 2024 and won the general election.
But many of his own MPs felt Boris, despite having won an 80-seat majority in 2019, was no longer an election winner. They were afraid of having their political careers ended through the prime minister staggering on past his sell-by date.
Sadly, the relationship between Boris and Rishi, who worked together closely for more than two years right through the pandemic, appears to have broken down completely.
Boris is not responding to the latter’s peace moves.
This was revealed last week when the Daily Telegraph organised a hustings event between Rishi and the foreign secretary, Liz Trus, in Cheltenham.
Rishi was asked by the Daily Telegraph’s associate editor Camilla Tominey – who moderated the twohour session – whether he had spoken to the prime minister since quitting the cabinet. Rishi replied: “I haven’t. I’ve messaged and called but, unsurprisingly, he hasn’t returned my calls.”
It comes across as petulance for him not to return Rishi’s calls. Boris should also take a look at the mirror and ask himself whether he has always been loyal to those closest to him.
Should he have shown more compassion and stuck by Marina Wheeler, his wife of 25 years and mother of their four children, when she was diagnosed with cancer?
On Brexit, was he loyal to David Cameron? It was later established he had written two articles – one supporting Remain and the other, Leave. At the last minute, he dealt Cameron a huge blow by backing Brexit. And he resigned as foreign secretary and stabbed Theresa May in the back so he could be prime minister.
There were also disturbing stories alleging that the leaks about Rishi’s green card and his wife Akshata Murty’s non-dom status, had come from sources in 10, Downing Street. The leaks were apparently aimed at curbing Rishi’s prime ministerial ambitions.
Boris is still held in great affection by Indians. He should realise this is a precious gift. I recall how warmly he was greeted when he attended two functions that were hosted by the Indian Journalists’ Association, and also at the Hinduja Diwali celebrations.
Views in this column do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper