40 Facts About Rachel Johnson

Early Life and Family Background

Rachel Johnson's life is deeply rooted in a rich family history and diverse upbringing. Let's explore the early years and family connections that shaped her.

1. Birth and Family Background: Rachel Sabiha Johnson was born on September 3, 1965, to Stanley Johnson and Charlotte Johnson Wahl (née Fawcett).

2. Parental Lineage: Her father, Stanley Johnson, is a former Conservative MEP and a great-grandson of Ali Kemal, a liberal Circassian-Turkish journalist and interior minister in the Ottoman Empire.

3. Sister of Notable Figures: Rachel is the younger sister of Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and the elder sister of Jo Johnson, a former Conservative MP for Orpington.

4. Middle Name Meaning: Her middle name, Sabiha, means "morning" in Arabic and is often used as a given name in Turkey.

5. Family Dynamics: Her parents divorced when she was 13, and she has spoken publicly about the impact of this on her life and career.

Education and Early Career

Rachel's education and early career laid the foundation for her future success in journalism and media.

6. Education: She was educated at Winsford First School on Exmoor, Primrose Hill Primary in Camden, north London, the European School of Brussels, Ashdown House School in East Sussex, Bryanston School in Dorset, and St Paul's Girls' School.

7. Kibbutz Volunteer: In 1984, she spent three months as a kibbutz volunteer before attending New College, Oxford to read Classics (Literae Humaniores).

8. Student Life at Oxford: At New College, Oxford, she edited the student paper Isis during her time there.

9. Career in Journalism: In 1989, she joined the staff of the Financial Times, becoming the first female graduate trainee at the paper, where she wrote about the economy.

10. Secondment to Foreign Office: In 1992-93, she spent a year on secondment to the Foreign Office Policy Planning Staff.

Rise in Media and Television

Rachel Johnson's presence in media and television has been significant, contributing to various high-profile discussions and programs.

11. BBC Career: She moved to the BBC in 1994, where she continued her career in journalism.

12. Television Presence: Rachel has appeared frequently on political discussion panels, including The Pledge on Sky News and BBC One's debate programme Question Time.

13. Celebrity Big Brother Participation: In January 2018, she participated in the 21st series of Celebrity Big Brother and was evicted second.

14. Change UK Candidacy: In the 2019 European Parliament election, she was the lead candidate for Change UK for the South West England constituency.

15. Public Speaking Engagements: Rachel Johnson has participated in public speaking engagements and events, including the 5×15 series where she discussed her book A History of The Lady.

Writing and Authorial Works

Rachel Johnson is also a prolific author, with several novels and non-fiction works to her name.

16. Author and Novelist: Rachel Johnson is also an author and has written novels such as Notting Hell and other non-fiction works.

17. Authorial Themes: Her writings often explore themes of identity, family dynamics, and British culture, providing a unique perspective on these topics.

18. Media Criticism: She has faced criticism for her articles, with some labeling them as "diabolical" or "horrible," as seen in a recent article in the Evening Standard.

19. Educational Background: Her diverse educational background includes time at the European School of Brussels and Ashdown House School, reflecting her international upbringing.

20. Public Appearances: Rachel has made numerous public appearances, including participating in Celebrity Big Brother and engaging in public speaking engagements.

Personal Reflections and Public Perception

Rachel Johnson's personal life and public perception have been subjects of interest and discussion.

21. Age and Perspective: She has often been referred to as "Methuselah" due to her age and perspective on life, particularly in comparison to younger individuals.

22. Public Perception: Rachel has expressed frustration with being perceived solely as "Boris's sister," emphasizing her own identity and career beyond her familial connections.

23. Personal Reflections: In interviews, Rachel has reflected on her personal life, including her experiences with divorce and her perspective on aging in a rapidly changing world.

24. Family Legacy: Through her family's history and cultural heritage, Rachel Johnson carries a legacy that spans multiple continents and generations.

25. Cultural Heritage: Through her father's side, she is of Circassian-Turkish descent, while on her mother's side, she is a granddaughter of Sir James Fawcett, a prominent barrister and president of the European Commission of Human Rights.

Social Media and Public Engagement

Rachel Johnson actively engages with the public through various media platforms, sharing her thoughts and insights.

26. Social Media Engagement: Rachel Johnson is active on Twitter and has used the platform to engage with her audience and share her thoughts on various topics.

27. Twitter Engagement: She actively uses Twitter to share her thoughts, engage with her audience, and discuss current events.

28. Media Presence: She has been a regular on LBC radio and has participated in various podcasts, including Authors On Tour Live where she discusses her novels.

29. Radio Presenting: In addition to her television appearances, Rachel has also presented on LBC radio, engaging with listeners on various topics.

30. Public Speaking Engagements: Rachel Johnson has participated in public speaking engagements and events, including the 5×15 series where she discussed her book A History of The Lady.

Legacy and Impact

Rachel Johnson's contributions to journalism, media, and literature have left a lasting impact on British culture.

31. Journalistic Career Milestones: Joining the Financial Times as the first female graduate trainee and later moving to the BBC marked significant milestones in her journalistic career.

32. BBC Contributions: During her time at the BBC, she contributed to various programs and discussions, further establishing her presence in British media.

33. Authorial Works: In addition to Notting Hell, she has written other novels and non-fiction works that explore themes of identity, family, and British culture.

34. Media Impact: Despite facing criticism for some of her articles, Rachel Johnson remains a prominent figure in British media, known for her sharp insights and engaging presence.

35. Legacy and Impact: As a journalist, author, and television presenter, Rachel Johnson has left a lasting impact on British media, contributing to a diverse range of topics and perspectives.

36. Great-Grandfather’s Legacy: Her great-grandfather, Ali Kemal, was a significant figure in Turkish history as a liberal journalist and interior minister who was murdered during the Turkish War of Independence in 1922.

37. Family Friendships: Stanley Johnson befriended his paternal half-uncle Zeki Kuneralp, Sabiha's son, when Kuneralp was Turkish ambassador to the Court of St James's in the 1960s.

38. Oxford Alumni: Rachel Johnson is an alumna of New College, Oxford, where she read Classics (Literae Humaniores).

39. Financial Times Milestone: She was the first female graduate trainee at the Financial Times, marking a significant milestone in her career.

40. Educational Institutions: Her educational journey took her through various institutions, including the European School of Brussels and Ashdown House School, reflecting her diverse upbringing.

Rachel Johnson: A Multifaceted Media Personality

Rachel Johnson's life and career are a testament to her versatility and resilience. From her early days as the first female graduate trainee at the Financial Times to her appearances on Celebrity Big Brother and Question Time, she's carved out a unique space in British media. Her work spans journalism, television, and literature, showcasing her ability to engage with diverse audiences. Despite often being labeled as "Boris's sister," Rachel has built a distinct identity, contributing significantly to discussions on politics, culture, and society. Her novels and non-fiction works further highlight her depth as a writer. Active on social media and in public speaking, she continues to influence and inspire. Rachel Johnson's journey reflects a blend of personal and professional achievements, making her a prominent figure in contemporary media.