36 Facts About Boris Johnson

Early Life and Education

Boris Johnson, a prominent figure in British politics, has a background filled with interesting details. Here are some facts about his early years and education.

1. 01Born Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson on June 19, 1964, in New York City, he holds both British and American citizenship.
2. 02His family moved frequently during his childhood, living in the UK, the US, and Belgium.
3. 03Johnson attended the European School in Brussels, where he learned to speak French fluently.
4. 04He later attended Ashdown House, a preparatory school in East Sussex, England.
5. 05Johnson won a scholarship to Eton College, one of the most prestigious schools in the UK.
6. 06At Eton, he developed a love for the classics and excelled in Latin and Greek.
7. 07He went on to study at Balliol College, Oxford, where he read Classics and became president of the Oxford Union, a debating society.

Journalism Career

Before diving into politics, Boris Johnson had a notable career in journalism. Here are some key points from that period.

8. 08Johnson began his journalism career at The Times but was fired for fabricating a quote.
9. 09He then joined The Daily Telegraph, where he served as the Brussels correspondent.
10. 10His articles often criticized the European Union, which earned him a reputation as a Eurosceptic.
11. 11Johnson became the editor of The Spectator in 1999, a position he held until 2005.
12. 12During his tenure, The Spectator's circulation increased significantly.
13. 13He wrote several books, including "Friends, Voters, Countrymen" and "The Churchill Factor."

Political Career

Boris Johnson's political journey has been marked by various roles and achievements. Here are some highlights.

14. 14Johnson was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Henley in 2001.
15. 15He served as the Shadow Minister for the Arts from 2004 to 2007.
16. 16In 2008, Johnson was elected Mayor of London, defeating incumbent Ken Livingstone.
17. 17As Mayor, he introduced the "Boris Bikes" cycle hire scheme to promote cycling in the city.
18. 18Johnson was re-elected as Mayor in 2012, serving until 2016.
19. 19He played a significant role in the 2016 Brexit referendum, campaigning for the UK to leave the EU.
20. 20Johnson was appointed Foreign Secretary by Prime Minister Theresa May in 2016.
21. 21He resigned from the position in 2018 over disagreements with May's Brexit strategy.
22. 22In 2019, Johnson became the leader of the Conservative Party and was subsequently appointed Prime Minister.

Personal Life

Boris Johnson's personal life has also been a subject of public interest. Here are some intriguing facts.

23. 23Johnson has been married three times. His first marriage was to Allegra Mostyn-Owen in 1987, which ended in annulment.
24. 24He married Marina Wheeler in 1993, with whom he has four children. They separated in 2018.
25. 25In 2021, Johnson married Carrie Symonds, and they have two children together.
26. 26Johnson is known for his distinctive, often disheveled hairstyle, which has become a part of his public persona.
27. 27He has a passion for cycling and is often seen riding his bike around London.
28. 28Johnson is an accomplished writer, having published several books, including a biography of Winston Churchill.

Controversies and Criticisms

Like many politicians, Boris Johnson has faced his share of controversies and criticisms. Here are some notable instances.

29. 29Johnson has been criticized for making offensive remarks, including comments about Muslim women and African countries.
30. 30He faced backlash for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the initial response and lockdown measures.
31. 31Johnson was fined for attending parties during the COVID-19 lockdown, which led to calls for his resignation.
32. 32His decision to prorogue Parliament in 2019 was ruled unlawful by the UK Supreme Court.
33. 33Johnson has been accused of misleading the public and Parliament on various occasions.
34. 34Despite these controversies, he remains a polarizing yet influential figure in British politics.

Fun and Quirky Facts

Beyond politics, Boris Johnson has some fun and quirky aspects to his personality. Here are a few.

35. 35Johnson has a love for classical literature and often quotes Latin and Greek phrases.
36. 36He once appeared on the popular British TV show "Have I Got News for You," which boosted his public profile.

Boris Johnson: A Man of Many Layers

Boris Johnson's life is a mix of politics, journalism, and controversy. From his early days at Eton and Oxford to his time as Mayor of London, he's always been in the spotlight. His tenure as Prime Minister saw Brexit become a reality, and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic drew both praise and criticism. Beyond politics, he's authored books, appeared on TV, and even got stuck on a zip line. Love him or hate him, Johnson's impact on British politics is undeniable. His charismatic personality, combined with his often polarizing decisions, ensures he'll be remembered for years to come. Whether you're a fan or a critic, there's no denying that Boris Johnson is a figure who has left a significant mark on the world stage.