The Tory Party's Gamble: A Boris Johnson Comeback?

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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The Appeal of a Boris Johnson Return

The persistent calls for a Boris Johnson comeback stem from several factors. Many within the Tory party still see him as a figure who can offer strong leadership and a return to perceived past glories.

Nostalgia and Strong Leadership

A significant portion of the Conservative electorate fondly remember Johnson's time in office, particularly his role in delivering Brexit. This nostalgia fuels the desire for a return to a perceived era of strong and decisive leadership.

• Successful election victory in 2019: Johnson led the Conservatives to a landslide victory, a feat many believe only he can replicate.
• Perceived strength in negotiating international deals: His supporters point to his negotiation of trade deals as evidence of his capabilities on the world stage. This is often contrasted with the current government's perceived lack of decisiveness.
• Appeal to a core base of Conservative voters disillusioned with current leadership: Many Conservative voters feel the current leadership lacks the charisma and decisiveness that Johnson projected. A Johnson return could reinvigorate this core voting base.

Filling a Leadership Vacuum

The current Tory leadership is struggling with persistently low approval ratings and significant internal divisions. This creates a vacuum that some believe only Johnson can fill.

• Recent polling data showing Conservative Party unpopularity: Consistent poor polling figures highlight the party's vulnerability and the need for a change of leadership.
• Lack of decisive action on key issues: Critics argue that the current leadership is failing to address critical issues effectively, leading to public dissatisfaction.
• Internal party struggles and potential leadership challenges: The ongoing internal struggles and the ever-present threat of leadership challenges further weaken the party's position. A strong leader like Johnson is seen by some as the only one capable of unifying the party.

The Risks of a Boris Johnson Comeback

Despite the appeal, a Boris Johnson comeback presents significant risks for the Conservative Party. The lingering effects of past scandals and the potential for further division could outweigh any perceived benefits.

Party Unity and Internal Divisions

A Johnson return could exacerbate the already deep divisions within the Conservative Party. Many prominent figures remain strongly opposed to his return.

• Strong opposition within the party to a Johnson return: Numerous MPs have publicly voiced their concerns about a Johnson comeback, fearing further internal conflict.
• Potential for further resignations and damaging internal conflicts: A Johnson return could trigger another wave of resignations and deepen the existing rifts within the party.
• Impact on the party’s image and electability: The internal fighting could severely damage the party's image and make it less electable.

Lingering Scandals and Public Perception

The numerous scandals that plagued Johnson's previous premiership continue to cast a long shadow. These scandals could significantly hamper any attempt at a comeback.

• "Partygate" scandal and its long-term consequences: The "Partygate" scandal continues to resonate with the public and could significantly damage Johnson's credibility.
• Ongoing investigations and potential legal ramifications: Ongoing investigations and the possibility of further legal action could further tarnish his image.
• Damage to public trust and the Conservative brand: The scandals have already damaged public trust in the Conservative Party, and a Johnson return could worsen this.

Election Prospects

A Boris Johnson return is far from a guaranteed path to electoral success. In fact, it could severely damage the party's chances.

• Polling data showing a potential electoral decline with Johnson at the helm: Some polls suggest that a Johnson-led Conservative Party would perform even worse than under the current leadership.
• Impact on swing voters and independent voters: Many swing and independent voters remain deeply skeptical of Johnson, potentially driving them towards opposition parties.
• Potential for a Labour landslide victory: A Johnson comeback could inadvertently pave the way for a significant Labour victory.

Alternative Scenarios and Potential Outcomes

Several alternative scenarios could unfold, each with its own set of consequences.

A United Front (unlikely):

Johnson might choose to support the current leadership, prioritizing party unity over a personal return to power. This is considered unlikely given his ambition.

A Contested Leadership Race:

If the current leader falters, Johnson might announce his candidacy, triggering a potentially divisive leadership contest within the party.

A Shadow Role:

Johnson might opt for a less prominent role, influencing party policy and strategy from behind the scenes. This would allow him to maintain influence without the full responsibility of leadership.

Conclusion

The potential for a Boris Johnson comeback presents a high-stakes gamble for the Conservative Party. While his return might appeal to a nostalgic segment of the electorate, it carries substantial risks, including further party division and a potential decline in public trust. The ultimate decision will have far-reaching consequences for the party’s future and the UK's political landscape. The question of a Boris Johnson comeback remains a central and crucial theme in British politics. What do you think about a potential Boris Johnson comeback? Share your views in the comments below!