Boris Johnson has never been a stranger to controversy. From his early days as a journalist to his current role as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, his bold and often brash personality has made him a divisive figure in British politics. Some see him as a refreshing and charismatic leader while others view him as a reckless and untrustworthy opportunist. But how did he become the figure he is today?

Johnson’s rise to power can be traced back to his education at the prestigious Eton College and Oxford University, followed by a brief stint as a management consultant in Brussels. However, it was his career as a journalist that propelled him into the public eye. As the editor of The Spectator, a conservative magazine, he gained a reputation for his witty and often controversial columns.

In 2001, Johnson successfully ran for the position of Member of Parliament for Henley. Despite his colorful persona, he quickly climbed the ranks of the Conservative Party and became a prominent figure in British politics. However, his career took a hit in 2004 when he was sacked from his position as shadow arts minister over allegations of an extramarital affair.

Despite this setback, Johnson remained a prominent figure in British politics and in 2008, he was elected as Mayor of London. It was during this time that he gained national recognition for his leadership during the 2012 London Olympics. However, his mayoral term was not without controversy. He faced backlash for his handling of tube and bus strikes, and his decision to introduce water cannons as a means of crowd control caused public outcry.

In 2016, Johnson’s political ambitions reached new heights when he became a leading figure in the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union, commonly known as Brexit. His passionate and often inflammatory speeches and articles convinced many to vote for Brexit, and it was widely believed that his efforts were crucial in securing the majority vote.

However, Johnson’s decision to leave the campaign shortly after the Brexit vote shocked many and raised questions about his integrity and commitment. He then briefly served as Foreign Secretary in Theresa May’s cabinet, but resigned over his disagreement with her Brexit deal. This move further solidified his reputation as a political opportunist, willing to change his stance for personal gain.

In July 2019, Johnson’s ambition finally came to fruition when he won the Conservative Party leadership race and became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. However, his time in office has been marred by controversy, particularly his handling of Brexit negotiations and the current COVID-19 pandemic. His government has faced criticism for its handling of the pandemic, including the delayed implementation of lockdown measures and the shortage of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers.

Despite these challenges, Johnson’s supporters argue that his charismatic leadership and optimistic outlook are exactly what the country needs during these difficult times. Others, however, see his actions as self-serving and detrimental to the country.

In conclusion, Boris Johnson’s controversial leadership style can be traced back to his beginnings as a journalist, where he gained a reputation for his controversial and provocative writing. Throughout his career, he has consistently made bold and often divisive decisions, gaining as many admirers as he has detractors. Whether you love him or loathe him, one thing is certain – Boris Johnson’s rise to power has been anything but conventional, and his time as Prime Minister is likely to be just as controversial.