June 12, 2023 - 11:15am
After another crazy weekend in British politics, we find ourselves contemplating the worst idea for a double act since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The indecent proposal was made yesterday by Nigel Farage to Boris Johnson. Though Farage said that he disagreed with many of Johnson’s “metro-liberal views” he nonetheless saw scope for an alliance. Indeed, the talk is of a new party bringing together the two men and their respective supporters. But, given their obvious ideological differences, how could this possibly work?
Farage asserts that Johnson is ideologically malleable: if anyone can “turn on a sixpence”, he says, it’s the former prime minister. There’s certainly a history of Johnsonian ambivalence on the big issues. Famously, he arrived at his position on Brexit by writing two columns — one for Leave and one for Remain.
And that’s not the only example. For instance, he was once a sceptic about climate change only to become a true believer — indeed, the environmentalist Ben Goldsmith tweeted that on “nature and climate” Johnson “has been by far the most passionate and committed PM Britain has ever had”.
There’s been a big shift on socio-economic issues, too. Johnson used to take a quasi-Darwinian attitude to inequality, which he notoriously compared to the big cornflakes rising to the top of a cereal packet. And yet, as prime minister, he became the champion of levelling-up, which is all about giving the small cornflakes their chance to rise too.
If Farage imagines that Johnson can just as easily shift back to his previous positions then he’s wrong. These aren’t just mere stances for the ex-PM: they are his legacy. Though Boris took some time to decide what he truly believes, he got there through a process that Farage will never understand: the life-changing experience of actual power and responsibility.
It is the fate of our former prime ministers to spend the rest of their lives defending what they did in office. For Johnson that includes the impossible decisions he was compelled to make on Covid. As the Right-wing populists never ceased to point out, it was a Conservative government that effectively nationalised the economy and placed the entire population under house arrest. It’s rather odd, then, to see Farage extend a hand of friendship to the man who signed the lockdown orders. What was that about turning on a sixpence?
Of course, Farage prefers to emphasise the issue on which he and Boris were on the same side. He calls it “the biggest issue of our age […] namely, Brexit.” Except that they were never brothers in arms. Johnson was the face of the Leave campaign, not the then Ukip leader. Had it been the other way round, the referendum would have been fought in a very different way — and the outcome would likely have been different, too.
Nadine Dorries, Johnson’s most loyal supporter, once used the words “progressive Tory” to describe his government. She was roundly mocked for that, but she was spot on. In intent, if not in outcome, progressive Toryism is exactly what Boris is about. And, as such, it is fundamentally incompatible with what Nigel Farage is all about — which is libertarianism with reactionary characteristics.
Over the years, Boris has let himself down — and let us down — on many occasions. But, ideologically, there could be no bigger self-betrayal than teaming-up with Nige.
Peter Franklin is Associate Editor of UnHerd. He was previously a policy advisor and speechwriter on environmental and social issues.
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Subscribe“which is libertarianism with reactionary characteristics.”
What does “reactionary characteristics” actually mean?
“Though Boris took some time to decide what he truly believes, he got there through a process that Farage will never understand”
Well there you really are begging the question.
“Farage asserts that Johnson is ideologically malleable: if anyone can “turn on a sixpence”…”
Farage thinks that Johnson is malleable because he is an opportunist who can be given an opportunity.
You are allowing your dislike of Farage to colour your assessment of Boris Johnson. A bit if distance would be useful.
Well said. In fact, the article is the reverse of the truth, for it is the consistent, principled, courageous Farage who would be tainted by any alliance with the spineless, treacherous, self-seeking Johnson. As for the author’s reference to “reaction” – a ludicrous morsel of Marxist jargon designed to stigmatize Restoration – it shows just how steeped in hard left assumptions too many of our apparently “centrist” or “conservative” commentators actually are.
Well said. In fact, the article is the reverse of the truth, for it is the consistent, principled, courageous Farage who would be tainted by any alliance with the spineless, treacherous, self-seeking Johnson. As for the author’s reference to “reaction” – a ludicrous morsel of Marxist jargon designed to stigmatize Restoration – it shows just how steeped in hard left assumptions too many of our apparently “centrist” or “conservative” commentators actually are.
“which is libertarianism with reactionary characteristics.”
What does “reactionary characteristics” actually mean?
“Though Boris took some time to decide what he truly believes, he got there through a process that Farage will never understand”
Well there you really are begging the question.
“Farage asserts that Johnson is ideologically malleable: if anyone can “turn on a sixpence”…”
Farage thinks that Johnson is malleable because he is an opportunist who can be given an opportunity.
You are allowing your dislike of Farage to colour your assessment of Boris Johnson. A bit if distance would be useful.
Farage’s position is that, as President of Reform UK, he needs to get some momentum behind the Party who are presently stuck in a rut. He needs to get publicity for the Party’s policies and to raise its profile generally.
Farage hopes that Johnson is sufficiently disaffected with the Tory Party that he can convince Johnson to campaign against it, and exploit Johnson’s ability to garner intense media attention to further those those aims and assist Reform UK to breakthrough at the next GE.
Farage isn’t imagining Johnson as the new party leader heading an insurgency. He simply wishes to exploit Johnson’s abilty to get media attention and bring over disaffected Tory voters, members and activists to Reform UK.
Odd how over intellectualised (that may be too generous) fiddle faddle pays better than the obvious.
Good assessment. Love him or loathe him, Farage is the canniest operator in modern politics and know how important publicity is. Johnson will read the situation correctly, but Farage hopes that Johnson will go along with it for fame, fun and revenge. Farage tend to get these calls right.
There’s clever and there’s too clever by half. Johnson is a parcel of soiled goods. Few of us who backed Brexit or the Tories heretofore can stand the man – a newly green, “woke”-friendly, flinching, footling, fat fop of the Tory left, nine parts Heath to one part Thatcher. Farage would look utterly unprincipled if he hooked arms with such a hollow, trumpeting nobody.
Except for at the time you lapped it up. And everyone had a pretty good idea what he was like, so there can be no excuse other than wilful blindness.
First, how do you know that anyone “lapped it up”? Secondly, why bother the few readers of this thread with your pettily personal interjections? If this is your standard of discussion I suggest you indulge it in some small, darkened room with only yourself for company.
Don’t buy it at all. Vast majority on the Right loved him until…they didn’t. No self reflection that they saw v late what others saw years before.
Bilge. He was admired until he turned out too spineless to withstand the government machine – a detail conveniently excised from your “summary”. You’re in a hole, man; stop digging.
Corbyn of course would have had to go some to have us in as big a mess. That’s how dreadful it’s been and the Bojo supporters share the blame.
Corbyn of course would have had to go some to have us in as big a mess. That’s how dreadful it’s been and the Bojo supporters share the blame.
Bilge. He was admired until he turned out too spineless to withstand the government machine – a detail conveniently excised from your “summary”. You’re in a hole, man; stop digging.
Don’t buy it at all. Vast majority on the Right loved him until…they didn’t. No self reflection that they saw v late what others saw years before.
The only options available at that election for Leave voters were Boris who despite his numerous well known character flaws promised to uphold the result of the referendum, or Labour/Lib Dems who would overturn it. Seeing as 2/3 of constituencies voted to Leave its no surprise that despite him being an incredibly flaky candidate Boris won in a landslide
Yes something in that BB – Corbyn was a blessing to Bojo as was the on-going psychodrama of Brexit. But there weren’t many on the Right indicating they were reluctant and had little choice. They drunk the Kool-Aid entirely.
Let’s also be clear – we could have upheld the referendum result a couple years earlier with a ‘softer’ version which would have left us much better placed now. The referendum never specified the form of Brexit. But Bojo and his supporters blocked that. He deliberately positioned himself to outflank others to gain power. An awful lot on the Right bought that and need to share the blame for where we are now. Distancing themselves now from Bojo is a form of cowardice.
What softer version of Brexit would leave us in a better position ?
I assume you are referring to money – not democracy.
What softer version of Brexit would leave us in a better position ?
I assume you are referring to money – not democracy.
Yes something in that BB – Corbyn was a blessing to Bojo as was the on-going psychodrama of Brexit. But there weren’t many on the Right indicating they were reluctant and had little choice. They drunk the Kool-Aid entirely.
Let’s also be clear – we could have upheld the referendum result a couple years earlier with a ‘softer’ version which would have left us much better placed now. The referendum never specified the form of Brexit. But Bojo and his supporters blocked that. He deliberately positioned himself to outflank others to gain power. An awful lot on the Right bought that and need to share the blame for where we are now. Distancing themselves now from Bojo is a form of cowardice.
First, how do you know that anyone “lapped it up”? Secondly, why bother the few readers of this thread with your pettily personal interjections? If this is your standard of discussion I suggest you indulge it in some small, darkened room with only yourself for company.
The only options available at that election for Leave voters were Boris who despite his numerous well known character flaws promised to uphold the result of the referendum, or Labour/Lib Dems who would overturn it. Seeing as 2/3 of constituencies voted to Leave its no surprise that despite him being an incredibly flaky candidate Boris won in a landslide
I admit to being surprised at the idea. I was just trying to find an explanation.
Except for at the time you lapped it up. And everyone had a pretty good idea what he was like, so there can be no excuse other than wilful blindness.
I admit to being surprised at the idea. I was just trying to find an explanation.
Canny, as in never been in power or even close, so never had to govern and can make a packet shouting from the side-lines. Remember even Nige’s one alleged success he’s now said is a failure! Let me repeat he said it’s a failure himself.
There’s clever and there’s too clever by half. Johnson is a parcel of soiled goods. Few of us who backed Brexit or the Tories heretofore can stand the man – a newly green, “woke”-friendly, flinching, footling, fat fop of the Tory left, nine parts Heath to one part Thatcher. Farage would look utterly unprincipled if he hooked arms with such a hollow, trumpeting nobody.
Canny, as in never been in power or even close, so never had to govern and can make a packet shouting from the side-lines. Remember even Nige’s one alleged success he’s now said is a failure! Let me repeat he said it’s a failure himself.
Good assessment. Love him or loathe him, Farage is the canniest operator in modern politics and know how important publicity is. Johnson will read the situation correctly, but Farage hopes that Johnson will go along with it for fame, fun and revenge. Farage tend to get these calls right.
Farage’s position is that, as President of Reform UK, he needs to get some momentum behind the Party who are presently stuck in a rut. He needs to get publicity for the Party’s policies and to raise its profile generally.
Farage hopes that Johnson is sufficiently disaffected with the Tory Party that he can convince Johnson to campaign against it, and exploit Johnson’s ability to garner intense media attention to further those those aims and assist Reform UK to breakthrough at the next GE.
Farage isn’t imagining Johnson as the new party leader heading an insurgency. He simply wishes to exploit Johnson’s abilty to get media attention and bring over disaffected Tory voters, members and activists to Reform UK.
Odd how over intellectualised (that may be too generous) fiddle faddle pays better than the obvious.
Boris was seemingly the only one trying to stand up to the lockdown blob. Locking us down late to the howls of the mob, both left and right, would you really have done any differently in those first frantic weeks? Also we unlocked quicker than most other countries due to his influence. This writer has no recollection of history.
He locked down the country and that was a disaster.
Only he can take the blame for that.
I have it on good authority that he blew up the Nova Kakhovka dam on behalf of his friends in Kiev. The man is a fiend I tell you!
You are probably right.
You are probably right.
I have it on good authority that he blew up the Nova Kakhovka dam on behalf of his friends in Kiev. The man is a fiend I tell you!
He locked down the country and that was a disaster.
Only he can take the blame for that.
Boris was seemingly the only one trying to stand up to the lockdown blob. Locking us down late to the howls of the mob, both left and right, would you really have done any differently in those first frantic weeks? Also we unlocked quicker than most other countries due to his influence. This writer has no recollection of history.
Farage appears to have no idea of the extent to which Johnson has alienated his former voters, and in what numbers.
Teaming up with Johnson would be the end for Farage.
Johnson’s toxicity is incredible. He may well have, single-handedly, killed off the Conservative Party – Formerly the most successful political party the world has known.
You seem to have short memory.
Johnson saved Brexit, albeit imperfectly, from a disaster of Theresa May making.
While fighting both his own party Remeniacs and the opposition.
The same happened with covid. Without Boris we would had much longer and stricter lockdowns.
I recall going to Prague in February 2022 and being asked for covid jabs compliance even when getting into bars or restaurants.
Czechs are sensible people, so saying “do you want my 30 quid or not?” resulted in being allowed in regardless.
The same with Munich in April 2022. Till 8th of the month, most covid restrictions were in place.
So be grateful we had Boris and not Starmer or Macron.
Post truth there AF – we had one of the longest and most extensive lockdowns in Europe, despite being ahead on the Vax.
By the same token we’re grateful for diarrhoea if the alternative is dysentery. That doesn’t make the first item on the menu particularly appealing. Second, you rehearse the shady manoeuvres which helped Johnson out in 19 – not to mention the abundant assistance supplied by Corbin – but conveniently forget HS2, increased mass immigration, “net zero” and – infamously – “lockdown”, all of which flew in the face of his purportedly “libertarian” principles. That he is a drivelling spendthrift and breaker of his own utterly moronic rules also seems to pass you by. No, Johnson is a self-seeking nobody who is using current turbulence to relaunch his shabby career as a leech on public funds.
Post truth there AF – we had one of the longest and most extensive lockdowns in Europe, despite being ahead on the Vax.
By the same token we’re grateful for diarrhoea if the alternative is dysentery. That doesn’t make the first item on the menu particularly appealing. Second, you rehearse the shady manoeuvres which helped Johnson out in 19 – not to mention the abundant assistance supplied by Corbin – but conveniently forget HS2, increased mass immigration, “net zero” and – infamously – “lockdown”, all of which flew in the face of his purportedly “libertarian” principles. That he is a drivelling spendthrift and breaker of his own utterly moronic rules also seems to pass you by. No, Johnson is a self-seeking nobody who is using current turbulence to relaunch his shabby career as a leech on public funds.
Precisely.
You seem to have short memory.
Johnson saved Brexit, albeit imperfectly, from a disaster of Theresa May making.
While fighting both his own party Remeniacs and the opposition.
The same happened with covid. Without Boris we would had much longer and stricter lockdowns.
I recall going to Prague in February 2022 and being asked for covid jabs compliance even when getting into bars or restaurants.
Czechs are sensible people, so saying “do you want my 30 quid or not?” resulted in being allowed in regardless.
The same with Munich in April 2022. Till 8th of the month, most covid restrictions were in place.
So be grateful we had Boris and not Starmer or Macron.
Precisely.
Farage appears to have no idea of the extent to which Johnson has alienated his former voters, and in what numbers.
Teaming up with Johnson would be the end for Farage.
Johnson’s toxicity is incredible. He may well have, single-handedly, killed off the Conservative Party – Formerly the most successful political party the world has known.
The very last thing that Reform needs is a dishonest psycopathic, bone idle, charlatan with the morals of an alley cat: what it does need is the removal of existing stamp licker lightweights who are impeding the recruitment of people for the sake of their own jobs.
The very last thing that Reform needs is a dishonest psycopathic, bone idle, charlatan with the morals of an alley cat: what it does need is the removal of existing stamp licker lightweights who are impeding the recruitment of people for the sake of their own jobs.
One person could make Reform…Jeremy Clarkson..
One person could make Reform…Jeremy Clarkson..
Both of them are far more interested in getting lucrative TV contracts than in setting up a new political party.
Very true
For sure. Albeit both know that the potential threat of an alliance adds to their marketability for a while. Once even clearer they are yesterdays men their fees drop.
To be joined in due course by Sir Keir – the chameleon man.
To be joined in due course by Sir Keir – the chameleon man.
Very true
For sure. Albeit both know that the potential threat of an alliance adds to their marketability for a while. Once even clearer they are yesterdays men their fees drop.
Both of them are far more interested in getting lucrative TV contracts than in setting up a new political party.
I assume it’s Farage just being mishchievous, getting some PR and upsetting the Tories.
I assume it’s Farage just being mishchievous, getting some PR and upsetting the Tories.
Best leave Johnson to his own devices, along with the party he was formerly leader of, together with the legacy uniparty parliament. Time for something completely different.
Best leave Johnson to his own devices, along with the party he was formerly leader of, together with the legacy uniparty parliament. Time for something completely different.
RememberTRUMP ! Republicans ignored his faults to smash the democrats. Like them, many, including me ,will take what they can get to upset the applecart. A Johnson Farage ticket.; the Trolley and the Author of Brexit; more excitement than any gaggle of Labour activists!. A gift to National Conservatives and UKIPERs alike. A tremendous draw for all those who want an end to these dog in a manger parities. I feel better already. Michael Fox
RememberTRUMP ! Republicans ignored his faults to smash the democrats. Like them, many, including me ,will take what they can get to upset the applecart. A Johnson Farage ticket.; the Trolley and the Author of Brexit; more excitement than any gaggle of Labour activists!. A gift to National Conservatives and UKIPERs alike. A tremendous draw for all those who want an end to these dog in a manger parities. I feel better already. Michael Fox
With Berluscono dead, Trump in big trouble, and Biden’s falling-down schtick now old hat, only Boris Johnson is left to entertain us.
With Berluscono dead, Trump in big trouble, and Biden’s falling-down schtick now old hat, only Boris Johnson is left to entertain us.
Boris resisted mandatory vaccines. With all that pressure that was quite tough.
Boris resisted mandatory vaccines. With all that pressure that was quite tough.
A pathetic hit job on Farage.
Nigel Farage is a master at off-pitch expert schtick – full of simple, megaphone solutions, but without the guts to take part in real politics himself. Shouting beery slogans from the side-lines is as good as it gets for this 7-times political loser.
What fun it would be if Farage’s new “party” – “Reform” – win a thumping majority and actually get into power, instead of endlessly firing blanks on the sidelines. It’d be the most fun spectator sport ever, watching choleric armchair theorists trying to govern on the basis of emotion. You’d have the IMF in inside a decade, after the destruction of the monarchy and the mass disorder and food riots.
And how ironic is this – Farage’s Reform party is not even a party in the truest sense, but a registered company with centralised control. It had been a Farage vehicle, but is now led by Richard Tice, a property investor turned political agitator.
That is, the man who advocated that Britain should “take back control” has set up an unaccountable apparatus ran primarily by a small cabal.
The only reason Farage didn’t become an MP was Camerons disgraceful breaking of election finance rules in order to keep him out.
The only reason Farage didn’t become an MP was Camerons disgraceful breaking of election finance rules in order to keep him out.
Nigel Farage is a master at off-pitch expert schtick – full of simple, megaphone solutions, but without the guts to take part in real politics himself. Shouting beery slogans from the side-lines is as good as it gets for this 7-times political loser.
What fun it would be if Farage’s new “party” – “Reform” – win a thumping majority and actually get into power, instead of endlessly firing blanks on the sidelines. It’d be the most fun spectator sport ever, watching choleric armchair theorists trying to govern on the basis of emotion. You’d have the IMF in inside a decade, after the destruction of the monarchy and the mass disorder and food riots.
And how ironic is this – Farage’s Reform party is not even a party in the truest sense, but a registered company with centralised control. It had been a Farage vehicle, but is now led by Richard Tice, a property investor turned political agitator.
That is, the man who advocated that Britain should “take back control” has set up an unaccountable apparatus ran primarily by a small cabal.
Certainly a huge element of narcissism in both so wouldn’t dismiss some desire for them to project some fading glow onto each other for a period. But Author is right – these are not clear bedfellows and it wouldn’t last long. Furthermore establishing a new political party requires alot of hard work. These two are not blessed with the greatest work ethic are they.
The article also illuminates the contradiction in Right wing thinking throughout the last decade that has never been squared. Bojo and Farage represents almost opposite ends of it. A few slogans and play to the populist gallery can mask that for a while, but as is so evident everyday now eventually you do come face to face with the reality of governing.
So for them a long petulant walk off into the sunset beckons with history likely to conclude whilst possibly two most successful politicians of the last decade they and their projects transpired to be abject failures that did great disservice to our Country.
Certainly a huge element of narcissism in both so wouldn’t dismiss some desire for them to project some fading glow onto each other for a period. But Author is right – these are not clear bedfellows and it wouldn’t last long. Furthermore establishing a new political party requires alot of hard work. These two are not blessed with the greatest work ethic are they.
The article also illuminates the contradiction in Right wing thinking throughout the last decade that has never been squared. Bojo and Farage represents almost opposite ends of it. A few slogans and play to the populist gallery can mask that for a while, but as is so evident everyday now eventually you do come face to face with the reality of governing.
So for them a long petulant walk off into the sunset beckons with history likely to conclude whilst possibly two most successful politicians of the last decade they and their projects transpired to be abject failures that did great disservice to our Country.