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 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.
1922: Vote of Confidence Triggered
In June 2022, the Conservative Party announced that Johnson would face a vote of confidence in his leadership of the party, after at least 54 Conservative MPs wrote no-confidence letters to Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of the 1922 Committee.
1922: Consideration of Another Confidence Vote
On July 6, 2022, it was reported that Johnson could face another confidence vote, with members of the 1922 Committee considering changing the rules to allow it. Many of the MPs stated that the Pincher affair had led them to change their minds on the suitability of Johnson to be prime minister.
1940: Davis Calls for Resignation
On January 19, 2022, David Davis called for Johnson to resign, quoting Leo Amery from the 1940 Norway Debate, stating, "You have sat there too long for all the good you have done. In the name of God, go."
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.
1990: Phone Conversation Between Johnson and Guppy
In 1990, Johnson and Guppy had a phone conversation, the recording of which was later made public in June 1995.
June 1995: Recording of Conversation Public
In June 1995, a recording of a 1990 telephone conversation between Johnson and Darius Guppy was made public.
1997: Lost Election
In 1997, Johnson lost to Labour candidate Martyn Jones.
2011: Criticism for response to London Riots
In 2011, Johnson was criticized for his response to the London riots.
2015: Criticism of Donald Trump
In 2015, Johnson criticized Donald Trump's comments about no-go zones in London, calling Trump unfit for the U.S. presidency, becoming the first senior UK politician to do so.
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.
2016: Worries about Trump Presidency
In 2016, Johnson expressed genuine worry that Donald Trump could become president, saying that being mistaken for Trump in New York was "one of the worst moments" of his life.
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".
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.
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.
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: 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: 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.
March 2020: Dominic Cummings' Trip to Durham
In March 2020, Dominic Cummings made a trip with his family to Durham during the lockdown while experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, leading to widespread calls for his resignation and a loss of confidence in the government.
March 2020: Shaking Hands with COVID-19 Patients and Lockdown
In March 2020, Johnson claimed to have shaken hands with COVID-19 patients, despite SAGE advice against physical contact. On March 23, a COVID-19 lockdown was imposed throughout the UK.
May 2020: Dominic Cummings' Trip to Durham
In May 2020, a scandal erupted involving Johnson's advisor Dominic Cummings, who traveled to Durham during the March 2020 lockdown while experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, leading to widespread calls for his resignation and a loss of confidence in the government.
May 2020: Downing Street Party During Lockdown
On May 20, 2020, during the first lockdown, a planned party took place at Downing Street, according to an ITV News report from January 2022. An email invited staff to "socially distanced drinks." Two eyewitnesses later alleged that Johnson and Symonds attended, contradicting Johnson's December 2021 statement that there were "no parties."
June 2020: Potential breaches of COVID regulations investigated
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, to which Johnson's office issued a statement criticising the "unfounded suggestions" which "has all the hallmarks of yet another politically motivated stitch-up".
October 2020: Criticism of Test and Trace System
In October 2020, Johnson conceded that the UK's test and trace system, including the contact tracing app, had caused "frustrations" due to their cost and operational issues.
October 2020: Second National Lockdown
In October 2020, Johnson reportedly resisted calls for a second lockdown. The government enacted a second national lockdown on October 31.
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.
2020: Downing Street Christmas Party Allegations
In December 2021, reports surfaced alleging that social gatherings occurred at Downing Street ahead of Christmas 2020, violating COVID-19 regulations. Boris Johnson initially denied these allegations, but later apologized for a leaked video showing staff joking about a "fictional party" and ordered an inquiry.
January 2021: Third Lockdown and High Death Toll
In January 2021, a third lockdown was introduced in England. The UK passed 100,000 deaths from COVID-19, with Johnson taking "full responsibility".
January 2021: Criticism of COVID-19 Response
By January 2021, the UK's high death toll from COVID-19 led to criticism of Johnson's early non-attendance of COBR briefings and the government's failure to prepare for and control the outbreak.
April 2021: Denial of 'Let the bodies pile high' Allegations
In April 2021, Johnson denied allegations that he had said he would rather "let the bodies pile high in their thousands" on October 30, 2020.
May 2021: Potential breaches of COVID regulations investigated
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, to which Johnson's office issued a statement criticising the "unfounded suggestions" which "has all the hallmarks of yet another politically motivated stitch-up".
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."
July 2021: Lifting of Public Health Restrictions
In July 2021, Johnson announced that most generalised public health restrictions in England would be lifted and replaced by recommendations, despite an increase in cases due to the Delta variant.
September 2021: Controversy over Maskless Cabinet Meeting
In September 2021, Johnson was pictured in a cabinet meeting without masks, contradicting government advice.
November 2021: Owen Paterson Suspension and Resignation
In November 2021, Boris Johnson supported a motion to block the suspension of Owen Paterson, who was found to have abused his position. Following backlash, a new vote was scheduled, and Paterson resigned. The subsequent by-election saw a significant Conservative majority overturned.
December 2021: "Plan B" Restrictions and Conservative Rebellion
In December 2021, "Plan B" restrictions were introduced in England due to the Omicron variant, facing the largest rebellion of Conservative MPs during Johnson's premiership.
December 2021: Denial of Downing Street Parties
In December 2021, Johnson insisted there were 'no parties' at Downing Street, a claim that was later contradicted by evidence of a party on May 20, 2020, during the first lockdown.
December 2021: Downing Street Christmas Party Allegations
In December 2021, reports surfaced alleging that social gatherings occurred at Downing Street in December 2020, violating COVID-19 regulations. Boris Johnson initially denied these allegations, but later apologized for a leaked video showing staff joking about a "fictional party" and ordered an inquiry.
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.
January 2022: Downing Street Party Allegations
In January 2022, ITV News reported a party occurred on May 20, 2020, during the first lockdown, with Johnson and Symonds allegedly attending. This contradicted Johnson's December 2021 claim of "no parties".
January 2022: Apology for Downing Street Garden Event
On January 12, 2022, Boris Johnson apologized to MPs for attending an event in the Downing Street garden during the first lockdown, claiming he believed it was a work event. He urged MPs to await the Sue Gray inquiry's outcome, but faced calls for his resignation.
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: Fixed Penalty Notice for Lockdown Breach
In April 2022, Boris Johnson received a fixed penalty notice for breaching COVID-19 lockdown regulations, becoming the first sitting British Prime Minister to be sanctioned for breaking the law.
April 2022: Issued Fixed Penalty Notice in Partygate Scandal
In April 2022, Boris Johnson was issued with a fixed penalty notice for breaching COVID-19 social distancing laws during the Partygate scandal.
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: Calls for Resignation after Local Elections
Following the May 2022 local elections, many leading Conservatives blamed Johnson for the party's poor performance and called for his resignation. On June 6, Graham Brady announced that a vote on Johnson's leadership would be held later that day.
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.
May 2022: Sue Gray Report Published
In May 2022, the Sue Gray report was published, contributing to dissatisfaction with Johnson's leadership.
June 2022: Calls for Resignation After By-Election Defeats
Following Conservative losses in the June 2022 by-elections, Michael Howard called for Johnson to resign, stating that Johnson no longer had the ability to win votes.
June 2022: Vote of Confidence in Leadership
In June 2022, Johnson faced a vote of confidence in his leadership after Conservative MPs submitted no-confidence letters. Johnson won the vote with 211 in favor and 148 against, a result seen as the 'beginning of the end' for his premiership.
June 2022: Dowden Resigns and Johnson Plans for Third Term
In June 2022, Oliver Dowden resigned as Co-Chairman of the Conservative Party. Johnson stated he had no intention of resigning and was planning for a third term, although Number 10 later said he was joking.
June 2022: Pincher Resigns as Deputy Chief Whip
On June 30, 2022, Chris Pincher resigned as Government Deputy Chief Whip, admitting he had "drunk far too much" and "embarrassed myself and other people" at the Carlton Club. He was later suspended as an MP following allegations of sexual assault.
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.
July 2022: Allegations Against Chris Pincher Emerge
In July 2022, six new allegations against Chris Pincher surfaced, detailing behavior over a decade. This followed Pincher's resignation as Deputy Chief Whip on June 30, 2022, after he admitted to misconduct.
July 2022: Mass Resignations Following Pincher Affair
On July 5, 2022, Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid resigned, followed by numerous other ministers and MPs over the next 24 hours. Many cited the Pincher affair as the reason for their loss of confidence in Johnson's leadership.
August 2022: Johnson blames Putin for global energy crisis
In August 2022, Johnson attributed the emerging global energy crisis to Vladimir Putin.
2022: Resigned as Prime Minister
In 2022, Boris Johnson resigned as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
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 introduced
In 2022, the introduction of new UK border checks were delayed to minimise the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
March 2023: Privileges Committee Interim Report
In March 2023, an interim report from the Commons Select Committee of Privileges indicated that there was evidence that 'strongly suggests' breaches of coronavirus regulations would have been 'obvious' to Johnson and that he may have misled Parliament.
May 2023: Johnson referred to police for potential breaches of COVID regulations
In May 2023, the Cabinet Office referred Johnson to the police regarding potential breaches of COVID regulations, leading Johnson's office to criticize the "unfounded suggestions" as politically motivated.
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.
May 2024: Johnson 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, after forgetting to bring valid photographic identification, a requirement of the Elections Act, which Johnson introduced while in office. During the 2024 general election, Johnson campaigned for the Conservatives, who lost the election in a landslide to Labour.
