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Mark's avatar

The problem for the UK is the antiquated FPTP electoral system that has delivered an electoral dictatorship under a PM that believes rules and regulations do not apply to him. It’ll continue to be a terrible problem until a more democratic proportional system is introduced. Meanwhile the only consolation is that unlike Russian the electorate still has a chance to rid itself of the buffoon. But not after terrible damage has been done to the UK both domestically and internationally.

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David Tuffield's avatar

An excellent article on Johnson himself. You say it will be sometime before we can really see the damage he has caused to our politics and social cohesion . However the Conservatives will chose a new leader . A . To go on as if little has changed or B . To deal with “Britain Alone” (to coin a phrase 😛) but to do this when due to Putin , the future will not be a continuation of recent past. A concerning scenario .

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Philip Stephens's avatar

I fear you are right!

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Mark Allan's avatar

Another excellent article. But would you have ever in all your years of journalism ever having to write such an article about the Prime minister of our country? What a state of affairs. What have we become?

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Philip Stephens's avatar

No, it was unimaginable...even though I knew him to be a serial liar when he got the job I assumed that the office would weigh with him at least to some degree

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Mark Allan's avatar

The same was thought of Trump. To Trump and Johnson attainment of office is the green light to do and say whatever they want in the self-belief that the rules don't apply to them.

Equally to blame are their subordinates who go on national media defending their behaviour. I'd like to think the Tories will pay a heavy price electorally for their acquiescence but I don't think they will somehow. Still plenty who think Boris is "just a lad"

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Philip Stephens's avatar

They certainty should pay that price

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Paul David Gould's avatar

Dear Philip, Marvellous commentary as ever (and LOVE that single-clause intro!) A tell-it-like-it-is takedown of truly the worst most unfit PM this country has ever had.

One quibble however: you Philip, along with most FT journalists, were similarly scathing of Jeremy Corbyn. Corbyn has many faults (his botched handling of Brexit and the anti-Semitism furore foremost) - but there is no doubt in my mind (as a seasoned reader of the FT) that Corbyn would have been a FAR MORE DECENT human being and more conscientious PM.

Most of his programme would be seen as social-democratic by European standards, and there would have been a delay, if not a 2nd referendum, on Brexit.

Given Johnson's egregious lying and corruption, it's time, belatedly, to give Corbyn some credit.

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Philip Stephens's avatar

Sorry but you will never persuade me I was too hard on Corbyn - even now he refuses to condemn Putin

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Tom Kernan's avatar

Good article, precise and to the point. I also read an article by Clifford Thurlow today about Johnson's role as Captain in the Eton Wall Game and Thurlow finishes with this point, which emphasises that Johnson has been trained to behave, as you recount Philip, all his life "There is only one rule in the Eton Wall Game and that is, for Etonians, that life is a game played behind a curved wall with rules they don’t have to follow and, for them, do not exist. If Boris Johnson has a belief, this is his belief."

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Philip Stephens's avatar

Thanks ..very good quote

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justified-ancient's avatar

It will take some time before we know the full extent of the damage that Johnson's tenure has wrought. Thank you Philip, for putting your thoughts on the record. Let's hope this 'King' is put into check mate in as few moves as possible.

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Philip Stephens's avatar

Here's hoping!

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Bennettjanv's avatar

A very good article,Philip. Thank you

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Philip Stephens's avatar

Many thanks!

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John O’Hagan's avatar

It is a pity Philip that this is not to be published in the FT, although many opinion writers there clearly share your stance on Johnson, and indeed the vast majority of people who provide comments therein, online. Few though can articulate an argument so clearly and logically as you. What many outside the UK do not realise is the extent of the disdain in which Johnson and some in his cabinet are held by a large swathe also of the British population.

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Philip Stephens's avatar

Thank's John....but 25 years in the same slot was enough!

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Deborah V. Newton-Cook's avatar

I'm glad this is *not* behind a FT paywall, thank you very much.

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Philip Stephens's avatar

Thank you!

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