Challenges in the Life of Boris Johnson in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Boris Johnson's life and career.

Boris Johnson, a British politician and writer, served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2019 to 2022. Prior to this, he held prominent positions including 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). His political career has been marked by his leadership roles within the Conservative Party and his involvement in significant events like Brexit.

Sections (6)

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

1945: Reference to Biggest War in Europe

On 20 February 2022, Johnson warned that Russia was planning the "biggest war in Europe since 1945" as Putin intended to invade and encircle Kyiv, underscoring the severity of the situation.

1975: Sent to boarding school

In 1975, Johnson and his siblings were sent back to the UK to attend Ashdown House, a preparatory boarding school in East Sussex after his mother had a nervous breakdown and was hospitalised with depression.

December 1978: Breakdown of parents' relationship

In December 1978, Boris Johnson's parents' relationship broke down, leading to their divorce in 1980.

1980: Parents' divorce

In 1980, Boris Johnson's parents divorced, and Charlotte moved to Notting Hill, London, where her children joined her for much of their time.

February 1990: Separation from Allegra Mostyn-Owen

In February 1990, Boris Johnson's wife Allegra broke up with him.

April 1993: Divorce from Allegra Mostyn-Owen

In April 1993, Boris Johnson's marriage with Allegra Mostyn-Owen ended.

1997: Lost election for Clwyd South

In 1997, Boris Johnson attained 9,091 votes (23 per cent) in the general election for the Clwyd South seat, losing to Labour candidate Martyn Jones.

2010: Mayor's Fund earnings

By 2010, the Mayor's Fund, established by Boris Johnson to aid disadvantaged youths, had only earned £1.5 million, falling short of its initial £100 million target.

2011: Criticism of Response to London Riots

In 2011, Johnson was criticised for his response to the 2011 London riots.

2012: London hosts the 2012 Summer Olympics

In 2012, London hosted the Summer Olympics, with Johnson as board co-chair. He improved transportation but was accused of covering up pollution ahead of the games.

April 2018: Attending party with Alexander Lebedev

In April 2018, Boris Johnson travelled to Italy without security to attend a party at the Palazzo Terranova, owned by former KGB agent Alexander Lebedev and hosted by his son Evgeny, leading to accusations of misleading parliament. The Italian secret service monitored Lebedev's villa, suspecting espionage activities.

July 2018: Signing contract with Telegraph Media Group and Failing to Declare Earnings

In July 2018, Boris Johnson signed a 12-month contract to write articles for the Telegraph Media Group, which was considered a breach of the Ministerial Code. He was later ordered to apologize for failing to declare £50,000 of earnings.

July 2018: Resignation as Foreign Secretary

In July 2018, three days after a cabinet meeting to agree on a Brexit strategy, Boris Johnson resigned from his post as Foreign Secretary, along with Brexit secretary David Davis.

September 2018: Controversial comments on Brexit

In September 2018, Boris Johnson made controversial comments about Brexit, stating that the UK had "wrapped a suicide vest around the British constitution" and handed the detonator to Michel Barnier. This drew heavy criticism from senior Tories.

2018: Considered Obese

In 2018, Boris Johnson was considered obese.

2018: Brexit Negotiations

In 2018, during Brexit negotiations, Boris Johnson called for Britain to leave the Single Market and advocated a more liberal approach to immigration than that of Prime Minister May.

January 2019: Criticism over remarks regarding Turkish accession to the EU

In January 2019, Boris Johnson faced criticism regarding remarks he allegedly made during the 2016 Leave campaign about Turkish accession to the European Union, which he denied making.

March 2019: Criticism for comments on child abuse investigation expenditure

In March 2019, Boris Johnson was criticized for describing the expenditure on investigating historic allegations of child abuse as money "spaffed up the wall".

April 2019: Independent Press Standards Organisation Ruling

In April 2019, the Independent Press Standards Organisation ruled that a claim in a 6 January 2019 article in The Daily Telegraph authored by Boris Johnson, stating a no-deal Brexit was "by some margin preferred by the British public", was false and breached accuracy guidelines.

June 2019: Conservative Party Leadership Campaign Launch

On 12 June 2019, Boris Johnson launched his campaign for the Conservative Party leadership election, emphasizing the need to leave the EU by 31 October. He also warned against further Brexit delays and advocated removing the backstop. In June 2019, Johnson also initially pledged to cut income tax for earners of more than £50,000 but backed away from this plan after criticism in a BBC debate.

August 2019: Brexit Negotiations

In August 2019, Boris Johnson wrote a letter to the EU asking for the removal of the "backstop" accord, which was rejected. He also stated that Britain would not pay £39 billion for the withdrawal agreement if the UK left without a deal.

August 2019: Request to Prorogue Parliament

On 28 August 2019, Boris Johnson requested the Queen to prorogue Parliament from 10 September, reducing the time to block a no-deal Brexit, causing political controversy.

September 2019: Parliament Resumes and General Election Proposed

In September 2019, after Parliament resumed on 3 September, Boris Johnson indicated he would call a general election under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act after opposition and rebel Conservative MPs voted against the government to prevent a no-deal exit. On 4 September 2019, the Benn Act passed, and Johnson proposed a general election on 15 October, but the motion failed.

September 2019: Resignations of Jo Johnson and Amber Rudd

In September 2019, on 5 September, Boris Johnson's brother Jo Johnson resigned from the government and announced he would step down as MP. On 7 September, Amber Rudd resigned as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and from the Conservative Party.

September 2019: Prorogation of Parliament and Legal Challenges

In September 2019, the prorogation of Parliament, requested by Boris Johnson, began on 10 September and was scheduled to last until 14 October, leading to legal challenges and protests. On 11 September, Scottish judges ruled the prorogation unlawful. On 12 September, Johnson denied lying to the Queen, and a Belfast Court rejected claims about Brexit's impact on Northern Ireland. On 24 September, the Supreme Court ruled the prorogation unlawful.

September 2019: Loss of Working Majority

On 3 September 2019, Phillip Lee crossed the floor to the Liberal Democrats following a disagreement with Boris Johnson's Brexit policy, leaving the government without a working majority in the House of Commons. Later that day, 21 Conservative MPs had the party whip withdrawn for defying party orders.

2019: Promise to Reduce Net Migration

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

January 2020: Trade Negotiations with the EU Following Brexit

Following the formal withdrawal from the European Union in January 2020, Johnson's government began trade negotiations with the EU, with fisheries being a major point of discussion.

March 2020: Dominic Cummings' Trip to Durham Scandal

In March 2020, Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson's chief political advisor, made a trip with his family to Durham during the lockdown while experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

March 2020: COVID-19 Response and Lockdown

On 3 March 2020, Boris Johnson claimed to have shaken hands with COVID-19 patients in hospital, conflicting with SAGE advice. On 23 March, a COVID-19 lockdown was imposed throughout the UK, except for limited purposes, with new legal powers.

May 2020: Dominic Cummings' Trip to Durham Scandal

In May 2020, a scandal emerged involving Boris Johnson's advisor Dominic Cummings, who traveled to Durham during the March 2020 lockdown while experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Johnson's defense of Cummings caused a backlash and a loss of confidence in the government's pandemic response.

May 2020: Downing Street Party During Lockdown

On May 20, 2020, a party was held at Downing Street during the first lockdown, where people outdoors were not allowed to meet more than one person from outside their household. Johnson and Symonds allegedly attended, contradicting Johnson's previous statements.

June 2020: Potential Breaches of Covid Regulations

In May 2023, Johnson was referred to the police by the Cabinet Office regarding previously unknown potential breaches of COVID regulations between June 2020 and May 2021.

October 2020: Criticism of Test and Trace System

In October 2020, Boris Johnson conceded that the UK's test and trace system and its contact tracing app had caused "frustrations" due to cost and operational issues.

October 2020: Enactment of second national lockdown

In October 2020, Boris Johnson reportedly resisted calls for a second lockdown throughout September, but the government enacted a second national lockdown on 31 October.

October 2020: Preparation for No Trade Deal with the EU

On 16 October 2020, Johnson stated that the UK "must get ready" for the possibility of no trade deal with the EU, indicating a tough stance in negotiations.

December 2020: Further Restrictions Imposed

Throughout December 2020, COVID-19 cases across the UK rose significantly, straining emergency services and hospitals. In response, the government enacted further restrictions and shortened a planned household mixing period over Christmas on 21 December.

2020: Considered Overweight

In 2020, Boris Johnson was considered overweight and spoke of making efforts to lose weight.

January 2021: Third Lockdown and High Death Toll

In January 2021, a third lockdown for the whole of England was introduced on 6 January. Record numbers of infections and daily deaths were recorded, and the government began exploring quarantine procedures on arrival. The UK passed 100,000 deaths from COVID-19 on 26 January, and Johnson said he was "deeply sorry" and "take[s] full responsibility".

January 2021: High COVID-19 Death Toll Criticism

As of January 2021, the UK was criticized for its high death toll from COVID-19, which was among the highest in the world, partly attributed to the government's initial response to the pandemic.

April 2021: Denial of 'Let the bodies pile high' Allegations

In April 2021, Boris Johnson denied allegations that he had said he would rather "let the bodies pile high in their thousands" on 30 October 2020.

April 2021: Downing Street Flat Renovation Controversy

In April 2021, allegations emerged that Johnson arranged for donors to secretly pay for renovations on his private residence at 11 Downing Street, leading to a review and formal investigation. Johnson stated he had personally paid for the refurbishment.

May 2021: Potential Breaches of Covid Regulations

In May 2023, Johnson was referred to the police by the Cabinet Office regarding previously unknown potential breaches of COVID regulations between June 2020 and May 2021.

July 2021: Lifting of Public Health Restrictions

In July 2021, Johnson announced the lifting of most generalised public health restrictions in England, replacing them with recommendations, despite an increase in cases driven by the Delta variant.

July 2021: Views on Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal Expressed

On 8 July 2021, following the near completion of British troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, Johnson expressed apprehension about the country's future and stated that there was "no military path to victory for the Taliban".

September 2021: Cabinet Meeting Controversy

In September 2021, Johnson was pictured in a cabinet meeting with a large group of people closely packed together, without masks, and with closed windows, seemingly contradicting government advice at the time.

November 2021: Owen Paterson Suspension and Resignation

In November 2021, Johnson backed a motion to block the suspension of Owen Paterson, an MP found to have abused his position. Following backlash, a new vote was announced, and Paterson resigned. The subsequent by-election saw a significant swing to the Liberal Democrats.

November 2021: Warning on Nord Stream 2 Pipeline

In November 2021, Johnson warned 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, highlighting geopolitical tensions.

December 2021: Denial of Parties

In December 2021, Johnson insisted that there were "no parties" at Downing Street.

December 2021: "Plan B" Restrictions

In December 2021, more stringent "Plan B" restrictions were put forward for England, including face coverings in public settings, work from home guidance, and COVID-19 passports for certain venues due to the Omicron variant. The government faced a large rebellion from Conservative MPs.

December 2021: Downing Street Parties Allegations

In December 2021, reports surfaced about social gatherings of government and Conservative Party staff in Downing Street ahead of Christmas 2020, violating COVID-19 regulations. Johnson initially denied these allegations but later apologised after a leaked video showed staff joking about a party.

2021: Net Migration Increase

In 2021, net migration to the UK was 488,000, up from 184,000 in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, with most migrants coming from non-EU countries.

January 2022: ITV News Report on Party

In January 2022, ITV News reported that a planned party had taken place on 20 May 2020, during the first lockdown. ITV obtained an email inviting staff to "socially distanced drinks" in the garden of No. 10.

January 2022: False Claim About Keir Starmer and Jimmy Savile

In January 2022, Johnson falsely blamed Keir Starmer for the non-prosecution of Jimmy Savile when Starmer was Director of Public Prosecutions, although there was no evidence of his involvement in that decision.

January 2022: Apology for Downing Street Event

On 12 January 2022, Johnson apologised to MPs for "attending an event in the Downing Street garden during the first lockdown", stating he believed it was "a work event". He said that MPs should await the outcome of the independent inquiry.

February 2022: Diplomatic Visit to Kyiv Amid Rising Tensions

On 1 February 2022, amid rising tensions, Johnson arrived in Kyiv on a diplomatic visit, describing the Russian military presence near the Russia-Ukraine border as "the biggest security crisis that Europe has faced for decades."

February 2022: Condemnation of Russian Invasion of Ukraine

On 24 February 2022, Johnson condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, ensured the UK joined international sanctions on Russian banks and oligarchs, and later announced the UK would phase out Russian oil by the end of 2022.

April 2022: Issued Fixed Penalty Notice in Partygate Scandal

In April 2022, Boris Johnson was issued with a fixed penalty notice after it was found that numerous parties had been held at 10 Downing Street during national COVID-19 lockdowns, and COVID-19 social distancing laws were breached.

April 2022: Fixed Penalty Notice for Lockdown Breach

In April 2022, Johnson received a fixed penalty notice for breaching COVID-19 lockdown regulations, becoming the first sitting prime minister in British history to be sanctioned for breaking the law.

April 2022: Visit to Kyiv and Ban from Russia

On 9 April 2022, Johnson traveled to Kyiv and met with President Zelenskyy. Subsequently, on 16 April 2022, Russia's Ministry for Foreign Affairs banned Johnson and other senior British politicians from visiting Russia.

May 2022: Local Elections and Calls for Resignation

Following the May 2022 local elections, leading Conservatives blamed Johnson for the party's poor performance and called for his resignation.

May 2022: Draft to Change Northern Ireland Protocol

In May 2022, Johnson readied a draft to unilaterally change parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol, citing issues with medical supplies and VAT cuts, which was met with resistance from the EU.

May 2022: Publishing of the Sue Gray report

In May 2022, the publishing of the Sue Gray report and a widespread sense of dissatisfaction led to a vote of confidence in Boris Johnson's leadership amongst Conservative MPs in June 2022.

June 2022: By-Election Defeats and Calls for Resignation

Following heavy Conservative defeats in the 23 June 2022 by-elections in Wakefield and Tiverton and Honiton, former party leader Michael Howard called for Johnson to resign, stating he no longer had the ability to win votes.

June 2022: Vote of Confidence in Leadership

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

June 2022: Resignation of Oliver Dowden and Johnson's Intentions

In June 2022, Oliver Dowden resigned as Co-Chairman of the Conservative Party. Johnson stated he had no intention of resigning and that he was thinking actively about a third term, also claiming that he intended to stay as prime minister until the mid-2030s.

June 2022: Resignation of Chris Pincher

On 30 June 2022, Government Deputy Chief Whip Chris Pincher resigned, admitting to having "drunk far too much" and "embarrassed myself and other people" at the Carlton Club in London.

July 2022: Warning against Ceasing Fire in Ukraine

In July 2022, Johnson warned that it would be a mistake to cease fire and freeze the conflict in Ukraine, signaling continued support for Ukraine.

July 2022: Allegations Against Chris Pincher

In July 2022, multiple allegations against Chris Pincher emerged, involving behaviour over a decade, leading to his suspension as an MP.

July 2022: Resignation as Prime Minister

In July 2022, revelations over Boris Johnson's appointment of Chris Pincher as deputy chief whip of the party while knowing of allegations of sexual misconduct against him led to a mass resignation of members of his government and to Johnson announcing his resignation as prime minister.

July 2022: Resignations of Sunak and Javid

On 5 July 2022, Sunak and Javid resigned from their positions within minutes of each other, followed by numerous other ministers and government officials. Many cited the Pincher affair as the reason for their loss of confidence in Johnson's leadership.

August 2022: Blame on Putin for Energy Crisis

In August 2022, Johnson blamed Vladimir Putin for the emerging global energy crisis, attributing it to the conflict in Ukraine.

October 2022: Withdrawal from Leadership Election

After Liz Truss announced her resignation as Conservative Party leader on 20 October 2022, Johnson received more than 100 MP nominations but announced he would not stand in the leadership election.

2022: Record High Net Migration

In 2022, Long-term net migration to the UK reached a record high of 764,000, with immigration at 1.26 million and emigration at 493,000.

2022: Delay of UK Border Checks

Introduction of new UK border checks were delayed until 2022 to minimize the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

2022: Prime Minister's Resignation Honours

On 9 June 2023, the publication of his 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.

March 2023: Privileges Committee Interim Report

On 3 March 2023, an interim report from the Commons Select Committee of Privileges suggested that breaches of coronavirus regulations would have been "obvious" to Johnson and that his advisors struggled to argue some gatherings were within the rules.

May 2023: Referral to Police over COVID Regulation Breaches

In May 2023, Johnson was referred to the police by the Cabinet Office regarding potential breaches of COVID regulations, prompting a statement from his office criticizing the "unfounded suggestions".

May 2024: Turned away from Polling Station

On 2 May 2024, Johnson was turned away from his polling station for the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner election after forgetting to bring valid photographic identification.