Boris Johnson's future as prime minister hinges on 'Brexit' vote
LONDON — Boris Johnson’s quick sense of humor and outlandish ways endeared him to many Britons during his eight-year tenure as mayor of London.
But beneath the bluster lies a shrewd politician whose possible hopes to succeed Prime Minister David Cameron likely hinge on the outcome of Thursday's referendum on continued membership in the European Union.
Johnson led the campaign for a British exit — "Brexit." If his side loses, Johnson concedes that his political ambitions will take a big hit.
In an interview with The Telegraph published Thursday, Johnson, who has French, German and Turkish ancestry, said the referendum was more important to him than his future as a politician.
“Frankly, if this is the end of my political career … I’ve done eight years as mayor of London, I enjoyed it hugely, it was a massive privilege. Fine by me,” he said.
After voting finished Thursday, he tweeted: “The polls have now closed, democracy has been served + we await the verdict of the people. Thanks to everyone involved + everyone who voted.”
When the New York-born Johnson announced in 2015 that he planned to run for election as a member of Parliament, Cameron said: "I want my star players on the pitch.” That was before the two Conservative Party members wound up on opposite sides of Thursday's referendum. Cameron has led the campaign to remain in the 28-member EU.
Johnson is indeed a star player — he triumphed to take the parliamentary seat in Uxbridge and South Ruislip in west London in May 2015. After leaving the mayor's office last month, Johnson — nicknamed Bojo by the media and public — positioned himself as a leading voice in the campaign to leave the EU.
Henry Hutchins, 67, chief executive of a real estate company in Plymouth, said he suspected that Johnson was using the Brexit campaign as a route to take over from Cameron.
Johnson said last week he would not end up as prime minister, in response to a fisherman who made the suggestion.
But some people, including Matthew Goodwin, a professor of politics and international relations at the University of Kent, believe he is likely to replace Cameron if Brexit happens.
Johnson, a former journalist, studied at the exclusive Eton College, whose alumni include Cameron and Princes William and Harry, before going on to the prestigious Oxford University. He served as MP for Henley in Oxfordshire in southeastern England between 2001 and 2008.
Johnson and his “leave” camp were criticized this week by London's new mayor, Sadiq Khan, who wants to remain in the EU. Khan said the pro-Brexit campaign had become “project hate” about immigration.
Many Britons cite the high number of immigrants entering the country and Europe as a reason they favor leaving the EU.
Johnson said the country could "take back control" of immigration only by leaving the EU, which sets immigration policy for member nations.
“Let's make today our Independence Day,” he tweeted Thursday, as he urged people to vote “leave.”
He told the Telegraph that the EU system was “failing, complacent and remote.”
“This is an absolute turning point in the story of our country because I think if we go on with being enmeshed in the EU, it will continue to erode our democracy,” Johnson said. “That is something that worries me.”