Completing a cycle of destructive mayhem that has run through Brexit to Trump and back again, Boris Johnson—yes, that Boris Johnson—is now the prime minister of the United Kingdom. And, in an appropriately painful “You are here” sign, the new PM summarized his policies in an opening speech by saying, "Dude, we are going to energize the country, we are going to get Brexit done!"
The BBC reports that Johnson supporters have declared that Johnson’s victory among conservative MPs creates a "huge mandate" for him, despite plummeting support for the Conservative Party. And considering the enormous chaos going on in other U.K. parties, Johnson might, sadly enough, legitimately claim to be the most popular politician in the country. There is even the possibility that Johnson will promptly call for a general election, to take advantage of the painful disorder outside the now even more conservative Tories.
Johnson began his career as a columnist for the conservative Daily Telegraph. Through several roles in Parliament and a term as mayor of London, Johnson has been regarded as chaotic, boorish, and a bully. He was an early and vocal supporter of removing the U.K. from the European Union, and has often been friendly with Donald Trump, who cheered for Johnson’s election. Although, being told that he’s on his own when it comes to defense, on day one of his new role, might dent the new PM’s appreciation for those cheers.
And now the man frequently described as “a manic self-promoter” has received the ultimate promotion.