Career Timeline of Boris Johnson: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Boris Johnson made an impact.

Boris Johnson is a British politician and writer who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2019 to 2022. Previously, he was Foreign Secretary (2016-2018) and Mayor of London (2008-2016). Johnson also served as a Member of Parliament for Henley (2001-2008) and Uxbridge and South Ruislip (2015-2023). He is known for his role in advocating for Brexit and leading the Conservative Party to a significant victory in the 2019 general election.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1945: Johnson warns of a potential war in Europe

On 20 February 2022, Johnson warned that Russia is planning the "biggest war in Europe since 1945" as Putin intends to invade and encircle Kyiv.

1989: Began writing for The Daily Telegraph

In 1989, Boris Johnson began writing for The Daily Telegraph.

1989: Appointed to Brussels Bureau

In early 1989, Boris Johnson was appointed to The Daily Telegraph's Brussels bureau to report on the European Commission.

1993: Outlined Desire to Run as Conservative

In 1993, Johnson outlined his desire to run as a Conservative in the 1994 European Parliament elections.

1994: Sought Candidacy

In 1994, Andrew Mitchell convinced Major not to veto Johnson's candidacy.

1994: Left Brussels Bureau

In 1994, Boris Johnson no longer worked for The Daily Telegraph's Brussels bureau.

1997: Lost Election

In 1997, Johnson lost to Labour candidate Martyn Jones.

April 1998: Appearance on Have I Got News for You

In April 1998, Johnson gained national fame after appearing on the BBC's satirical show Have I Got News for You. He was later invited back as a guest presenter.

July 1999: Editor of The Spectator

In July 1999, Conrad Black offered Johnson the editorship of The Spectator, and Johnson accepted, abandoning his parliamentary aspirations. During his time as editor, the magazine's circulation increased, but he also received criticism for his absences and political predictions.

1999: Became editor of The Spectator

In 1999, Boris Johnson became the editor of The Spectator.

1999: Columnist for GQ

In 1999, Johnson started writing a column reviewing new cars in GQ, an American men's magazine. His parking fines while testing cars caused issues for staff.

2001: Joined Shadow Cabinet

In 2001, Boris Johnson became a member of the Shadow Cabinet of Michael Howard.

2001: Became MP for Henley

In 2001, Boris Johnson became the Member of Parliament for Henley.

2001: Published "Friends, Voters, Countrymen: Jottings on the Stump"

In 2001, Johnson published his book, Friends, Voters, Countrymen: Jottings on the Stump, recounting that year's election campaign.

November 2003: Michael Howard becomes leader of the Conservative Party

In November 2003, Michael Howard succeeded Iain Duncan Smith as leader of the Conservative party.

2003: Published "Lend Me Your Ears"

In 2003, Johnson published 'Lend Me Your Ears,' a collection of previously published columns and articles.

2003: BAFTA Nomination

In 2003, Johnson's appearance on Have I Got News for You led to a nomination for the BAFTA Television Award for Best Entertainment Performance.

May 2004: Appointed Shadow Arts Minister

In May 2004, Michael Howard appointed Johnson as Shadow Arts Minister.

August 2004: Backed impeachment procedures against Tony Blair

In August 2004, Johnson backed unsuccessful impeachment procedures against Prime Minister Tony Blair regarding the Iraq War.

November 2004: Dismissed as vice-chairman and shadow arts minister

In November 2004, Johnson was dismissed as vice-chairman and shadow arts minister after initially denying allegations of an affair with Petronella Wyatt. The allegations were later proven true.

2004: Published First Novel

In 2004, HarperCollins published Johnson's first novel: Seventy-Two Virgins: A Comedy of Errors. It revolved around the life of a Conservative MP and contained autobiographical elements.

2005: Left The Spectator

In 2005, Boris Johnson was no longer the editor of The Spectator.

2005: Dismissed as Editor of The Spectator

In 2005, Johnson was dismissed as editor of The Spectator.

2005: Re-elected as MP for Henley

In 2005, Johnson was re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Henley.

2005: Successful bid for London Olympics

In 2005, under Livingstone's leadership, London made a successful bid to host the 2012 Summer Olympics, marking a significant achievement for the city.

January 2006: Broadcast of The Dream of Rome

In January 2006, Johnson's popular history television show, The Dream of Rome, was broadcast. A book followed in February.

2006: Campaign for Rector of the University of Edinburgh

In 2006, Johnson campaigned to become the Rector of the University of Edinburgh, but he came third due to his support for top-up fees.

2007: Third-highest-earning MP

In 2007, Johnson earned £540,000, making him the third-highest-earning MP that year.

October 2008: Resignation of Metropolitan Police Commissioner Ian Blair

In October 2008, Johnson successfully pushed for the resignation of Metropolitan Police Commissioner Ian Blair.

2008: Elected Mayor of London

In 2008, Boris Johnson became the Mayor of London.

March 2009: Pound Sterling Low

In February 2016, Johnson endorsed Vote Leave for the 2016 EU membership referendum, this announcement led to a nearly 2% slump in the pound sterling against the US dollar, reaching its lowest level since March 2009.

January 2010: Resigned as Chairman of the Metropolitan Police Authority

In January 2010, Johnson resigned as chairman of the Metropolitan Police Authority.

2012: Re-elected as Mayor of London

In 2012, Boris Johnson was re-elected as Mayor of London.

November 2013: London Underground Changes

In November 2013, Johnson announced major changes to the London Underground, including extended operating hours and replacing all staffed ticket offices with automated ticketing systems.

August 2014: Seeking Selection for Parliament

In August 2014, after media speculation, Johnson sought selection as the Conservative candidate for Uxbridge and South Ruislip in anticipation of the 2015 general election.

2015: Elected MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip

In 2015, Boris Johnson was elected MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip.

2015: Election to Parliament

In 2015, Johnson was elected to Parliament, fueling speculation that he aimed to replace Cameron as Conservative leader and Prime Minister.

February 2016: Endorsement of Vote Leave

In February 2016, Johnson endorsed Vote Leave for the 2016 EU membership referendum. This announcement led to a nearly 2% slump in the pound sterling against the US dollar, reaching its lowest level since March 2009.

May 2016: Stepping Down as Mayor

In May 2016, Johnson stepped down as Mayor of London following the election. A YouGov poll at the end of his term showed that 52% of Londoners thought he did a "good job".

June 2016: "Britain's Independence Day" Declaration

On 22 June 2016, Johnson declared that 23 June could be "Britain's independence day" in a televised debate, advocating for leaving the European Union.

July 2016: Appointment as Foreign Secretary

In July 2016, Theresa May appointed Johnson as Foreign Secretary, a move analysts saw as a tactic to weaken him politically by marginalizing the role and keeping him out of the country.

September 2016: Visit to Turkey

Johnson's visit to Turkey in September 2016 was tense due to his previous win of an offensive poetry competition about President Erdoğan. He dismissed concerns, pledged to help Turkey join the EU, supported Erdoğan's government, and described the Gülen movement as a "cult".

2016: Brexit Campaign and Foreign Secretary Appointment

In 2016, Boris Johnson was a prominent figure in the Brexit campaign and later appointed foreign secretary.

2016: Appointed Foreign Secretary

In 2016, Boris Johnson was appointed as Foreign Secretary.

2016: Johnson mentions Brexit referendum

On 9 June 2023, after receiving a confidential report from a committee of the House of Commons that was looking into whether he had lied to Parliament over lockdown-breaking parties, Johnson announced his resignation as MP. His resignation statement said he is "not alone in thinking that there is a witch-hunt under way, to take revenge for Brexit and ultimately to reverse the 2016 referendum result".

April 2017: Gibraltar Sovereignty Statement

In April 2017, Johnson stated that Gibraltar's sovereignty was "not going to change" after Brexit.

September 2017: Visit to British Territories and Myanmar

In September 2017, Johnson visited Anguilla and Tortola to reaffirm the UK's commitment to restoring British territories after Hurricane Irma. He was also criticised for reciting lines from Rudyard Kipling's poem Mandalay in Myanmar.

May 2018: Support for Iran Nuclear Deal

In May 2018, Johnson backed the Iran nuclear deal framework, despite Donald Trump's withdrawal from it.

July 2018: Resignation as Foreign Secretary

In July 2018, Johnson resigned as Foreign Secretary, three days after the cabinet agreed on a Brexit strategy.

September 2018: Criticism for Brexit Comments

In September 2018, Boris Johnson received heavy criticism from senior Tories, including Alan Duncan, for comparing the UK's position to wearing a "suicide vest" in Brexit negotiations.

2018: Resigned as Foreign Secretary

In 2018, Boris Johnson resigned as foreign secretary in protest at Theresa May's approach to Brexit.

2018: Left Foreign Secretary position

In 2018, Boris Johnson was no longer the Foreign Secretary.

January 2019: Brexit claim published in The Daily Telegraph

On January 6, 2019, The Daily Telegraph published an article authored by Johnson, claiming that a no-deal Brexit was preferred by the British public. The Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) later ruled that claim as inaccurate.

April 2019: IPSO Ruling Against Brexit Claim

In April 2019, the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) ruled that a claim in a January 6, 2019 Daily Telegraph article authored by Johnson, stating that a no-deal Brexit was preferred by the British public, was inaccurate.

June 2019: Conservative Party Leadership Campaign Launch

In June 2019, Boris Johnson launched his campaign for the Conservative Party leadership, emphasizing the need to leave the EU by October 31. He also initially pledged to cut income tax for high earners but later retracted this plan after criticism.

July 2019: Appointment as Prime Minister

In July 2019, following his election as Conservative Party leader, Boris Johnson was appointed as Prime Minister by Queen Elizabeth II, making him the first PM born outside British territories. He also appointed Dominic Cummings as his senior advisor.

July 2019: Cabinet Appointment and Dismissals

In July 2019, upon becoming Prime Minister, Boris Johnson appointed his Cabinet, dismissing 11 senior ministers and accepting the resignation of six others in the most extensive postwar Cabinet reorganisation without a change in the ruling party.

August 2019: Request to Prorogue Parliament

In August 2019, Boris Johnson requested the Queen to prorogue Parliament from September 10, reducing the time available to block a no-deal Brexit, which sparked significant political controversy.

August 2019: Resumption of Brexit Negotiations

In August 2019, UK and EU negotiators agreed to resume regular meetings regarding Brexit after Johnson declared his intention to re-open negotiations, but the EU initially refused to accept Johnson's condition that the backstop be removed.

September 2019: Jo Johnson's Resignation

In September 2019, Boris Johnson's brother, Jo Johnson, resigned from his government.

September 2019: Resignations of Jo Johnson and Amber Rudd

In September 2019, Jo Johnson resigned from the government and announced he would step down as MP, and Amber Rudd resigned as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and from the Conservative Party.

September 2019: Loss of Working Majority

In September 2019, on September 3, Phillip Lee defected to the Liberal Democrats, costing the government its working majority. Later that day, 21 Conservative MPs had the party whip withdrawn for defying party orders.

September 2019: Prorogation of Parliament and Legal Challenges

In September 2019, the prorogation of Parliament began on September 10, leading to widespread protests and legal challenges. On September 24, the Supreme Court ruled the prorogation unlawful.

September 2019: Parliament Resumes and Election Proposal

In September 2019, when Parliament resumed on September 3, Boris Johnson indicated a general election under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act after opposition MPs voted against the government to prevent a no-deal exit. On September 4, the Benn Act passed, leading Johnson to propose a general election on October 15, but his motion failed.

October 2019: Dissolution of Parliament and Election Call

In October 2019, Parliament was dissolved, and an election was called for December 12, leading to a Conservative Party victory with a parliamentary landslide majority of 80 seats, with the slogan "Get Brexit Done".

October 2019: Brexit Deadline

In October 2019, as Prime Minister, Boris Johnson reiterated the commitment to leave the European Union by October 31, with or without a deal, and aimed to remove the Irish backstop from the withdrawal agreement.

October 2019: Revised Brexit Deal Agreed

In October 2019, following talks between Johnson and Leo Varadkar, the UK and EU agreed to a revised Brexit deal, replacing the backstop with a new Northern Ireland Protocol.

December 2019: Won Landslide Victory in General Election

In December 2019, Boris Johnson won a landslide victory in the general election.

2019: Became Prime Minister

In 2019, Boris Johnson became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party.

2019: Net Migration Promise

In 2019, Johnson promised to reduce net migration to the UK below 250,000 per year by the next election.

January 2020: Johnson's government enters trade negotiations with the EU

In January 2020, after formally withdrawing from the European Union, Johnson's government initiated trade negotiations with the EU.

February 2020: Cabinet Reshuffle

In February 2020, Boris Johnson reshuffled his cabinet, sacking five ministers and seeing Sajid Javid resign as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

October 2020: Johnson warns UK to prepare for no trade deal with EU

On 16 October 2020, Johnson stated that the UK "must get ready" for the possibility of not reaching a trade deal with the EU.

November 2020: 10-Point Plan for a "Green Industrial Revolution" Announced

In November 2020, Johnson announced a 10-point plan for a 'green industrial revolution' to include ending the sale of petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, quadrupling offshore wind power capacity, and funding emissions-cutting proposals.

December 2020: Start of COVID-19 Vaccination Programme

In December 2020, Britain began its COVID-19 vaccination programme.

December 2020: EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement reached

In December 2020, it was announced that the EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement had been successfully reached.

March 2021: Vaccination Milestone

By March 20, 2021, half of UK adults had received at least their first vaccine dose.

May 2021: State Opening of Parliament

At the State Opening of Parliament on May 11, 2021, the Johnson government announced a range of proposed laws, including bills on dissolving Parliament, freedom of speech in higher education, online safety, and animal welfare.

June 2021: Sajid Javid Returns to Cabinet

In June 2021, Sajid Javid returned to Johnson's Cabinet as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care following the resignation of Matt Hancock.

July 2021: Johnson expresses apprehension about Afghanistan and lack of military path to Taliban victory

In July 2021, Boris Johnson voiced his concerns about Afghanistan's future following the impending withdrawal of US troops. Announcing the near completion of British troop withdrawal, he stated there was "no military path to victory for the Taliban."

September 2021: Cabinet Reshuffle

In September 2021, Johnson reshuffled his cabinet again, dismissing Gavin Williamson and moving Dominic Raab, replacing him as foreign secretary with Liz Truss.

November 2021: Johnson warns EU on Ukraine and Nord Stream 2

In November 2021, Johnson cautioned that the European Union faced "a choice" between "sticking up for Ukraine" and approving the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline from Russia to Europe.

2021: Hongkongers Immigration Scheme Launched

In 2021, Johnson's government launched a scheme for Hongkongers following the Hong Kong national security law, resulting in more than 200,000 Hong Kong residents immigrating to the UK.

2021: Increase in Net Migration

In 2021, net migration to the UK was 488,000, up from 184,000 in 2019, with most migrants coming from non-EU countries.

2021: Carbon Emission Reduction Plan Announced

In 2021, the Johnson government announced plans to cut carbon emissions by 78% by 2035.

February 2022: Johnson visits Kyiv amid rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine

In February 2022, Johnson's government cautioned Russia against invading Donbas and agreed to work towards a "peaceful resolution" with Putin. On February 1, 2022, Johnson visited Kyiv, describing the situation as "the biggest security crisis that Europe has faced for decades". On February 20, 2022, he warned that Russia was planning the "biggest war in Europe since 1945". On February 21, 2022, Johnson condemned Russia's recognition of self-proclaimed republics in Donbas.

February 2022: Johnson condemns Russian invasion of Ukraine and implements sanctions

On 24 February 2022, Johnson condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and implemented international sanctions on Russian banks and oligarchs. The UK also announced plans to phase out Russian oil imports by the end of 2022.

April 2022: Expansion of Nuclear and Wind Energy

In April 2022, Johnson announced plans to build eight more nuclear reactors on existing sites and expand wind energy, aiming for up to 95% of the UK's electricity from low-carbon sources by 2030.

April 2022: Johnson visits Kyiv and is banned from Russia

In April 2022, Johnson traveled to Kyiv to meet with President Zelenskyy. Subsequently, on April 16, 2022, Russia's Ministry for Foreign Affairs banned Johnson and other senior British politicians from visiting Russia.

May 2022: Johnson drafts changes to Northern Ireland Protocol

In May 2022, Johnson prepared a draft to unilaterally alter aspects of the Northern Ireland Protocol, citing concerns over medical supplies and VAT reductions. The EU rejected the idea of amending the treaty.

June 2022: Won Vote of Confidence

In June 2022, Boris Johnson won a vote of confidence in his leadership amongst Conservative MPs.

July 2022: Resigned as Prime Minister

In July 2022, Boris Johnson announced his resignation as prime minister following revelations over the Chris Pincher scandal.

July 2022: Johnson warns against ceasefire in Ukraine

In July 2022, Johnson cautioned against ceasing fire and freezing the conflict in Ukraine.

August 2022: Johnson blames Putin for global energy crisis

In August 2022, Johnson attributed the emerging global energy crisis to Vladimir Putin.

September 2022: Resignation and Farewell Speech

Following reports of his impending resignation, the pound strengthened. Johnson remained prime minister until September, when Liz Truss won the Conservative leadership election. In his farewell speech on September 6, 2022, Johnson referenced Cincinnatus.

October 2022: Johnson declines to stand in Conservative Party leadership election

In October 2022, after Liz Truss resigned, Johnson obtained the required nominations to contend in the leadership election but ultimately announced that he would not stand.

2022: Resigned as Prime Minister

In 2022, Boris Johnson resigned as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

2022: Publication of Prime Minister's Resignation Honours

In June 2023, the publication of Johnson's 2022 Prime Minister's Resignation Honours led to a public feud with Sunak. Johnson supporter Nadine Dorries announced that she was resigning as an MP due to not being included as a peer on the honours list.

June 2023: Resigned as MP after Investigation

In June 2023, Boris Johnson resigned as MP after receiving the draft of the Commons Privileges Committee investigation into his conduct.

June 2023: Resignation Honours list and MP resignation

In June 2023, the publication of Johnson's 2022 Prime Minister's Resignation Honours led to a public feud with Sunak. On 9 June 2023, Johnson announced his resignation as MP after receiving a confidential report about whether he had lied to Parliament over lockdown-breaking parties.

October 2023: Johnson joins GB News as commentator

In October 2023, Johnson announced he would join GB News as a commentator and programme maker for the next general election and US presidential election.

November 2023: Johnson visits Israel to express solidarity

In November 2023, Johnson condemned Hamas' attack on Israel and visited Israel to express solidarity. He also rejected calls for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and criticised pro-Palestinian protests in the UK.

2023: Resigned as MP

In 2023, Boris Johnson resigned as an MP.

February 2024: Johnson meets with Nicolás Maduro

In February 2024, Johnson held a private meeting with the president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro.

March 2024: Johnson expected to campaign for Conservatives

In March 2024, The Times reported that Johnson is expected to campaign for the Conservatives in the next General Election.

October 2024: Release of Johnson's memoirs "Unleashed"

In October 2024, Johnson's memoirs "Unleashed" were released.

2030: Low-Carbon Electricity Target

In April 2022, Johnson announced plans to build eight more nuclear reactors on existing sites and expand wind energy, aiming for up to 95% of the UK's electricity from low-carbon sources by 2030.

2030: Ending Sale of Petrol and Diesel Cars

In November 2020 Johnson announced a 10-point plan for a "green industrial revolution", to include ending the sale of petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030.