TV Review
Unedited Notes on watching a repeat [Nov 9, 2013] of the BBC documentary of Boris Johnson
He tends to ignore ‘Network of social obligations’. Quote from His House master at Eton
The Darius Guppy affair. Friend who called to ask Boris for an address to help Guppy beat up a journalist
On challenged, sometimes presents his bumbling but endearing style in public rather than denying wrong-doing
Became editor of Spectator and broke his word not to stand for parliament in 2001.
Sacked for lying to Tory leader Michael Howard about an affair
Stood for London mayor backed by Prime Minister and school friend Cameron
Can show discipline when needed, but very chaotic otherwise.
Rivalry with Cameron intensifies after Cameron becomes PM
Another affair…”he’s our Berlusconi, only funnier” [Private Eye editor Ian Hislop]
London riots may have put his re-election as Mayor of London at risk
Said to be the only ‘feel good’ politician in land
Implies he is a serious contender for PM. Prospect offered with less than ringing endorsements
Missing: did I miss any mention of his unpopularity on Merseyside after ill-judged remarks over Hillsborough in a Spectator editorial?
What did we learn about Boris?
What did we learn about Boris? Not a lot that was not already in the public domain. Will he become Prime Minister? Probably not, but the public mood of disillusion of conventional politicians remains high.
The Boris publicity wave rolls on
In the days after posting the above, Boris continues to make media headlines. Click here for a video clip of his claim to be pro-immigation. [Warning: it may come with irritating plug ins]