Boris Johnson, the larger than life British politician and current Prime Minister, is no stranger to controversy. Throughout his career in journalism and politics, he has attracted both adoration and criticism for his outspoken nature and unconventional style.

Born in New York City in 1964, Johnson spent his childhood between the UK and the US. He attended the prestigious Eton College before studying Classics at Balliol College, Oxford. After a brief stint as a management consultant, Johnson embarked on a career in journalism, writing for various conservative newspapers including The Times and The Daily Telegraph.

His often controversial and humorous writing style quickly gained him public attention and he became known for his witty and scathing opinions on political and social issues. In 1999, Johnson was appointed editor of the Spectator, a conservative political magazine, where he continued to push boundaries and make bold statements.

It was during this time that Johnson’s political ambitions began to take shape. In 2001, he was elected as a Member of Parliament for the Conservative Party and quickly rose through the ranks. He became a prominent figure in the party, known for his charismatic personality and unorthodox approach to politics.

In 2008, Johnson achieved a major milestone in his political career when he was elected as the Mayor of London. His two terms as Mayor were marked by ambitious plans and projects, such as the introduction of the Boris Bikes (London’s bike-sharing scheme) and his controversial proposal for a new airport in the Thames Estuary.

Despite his popularity in London, Johnson’s journey to becoming Prime Minister was not without setbacks. In 2016, he led the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union, commonly known as Brexit. However, to the surprise of many, Johnson’s campaign was successful and the UK voted to leave the EU. This victory cemented his position as a key figure in British politics.

After the resignation of Prime Minister Theresa May in 2019, Johnson seized the opportunity to run for leadership of the Conservative Party. Despite facing fierce competition, Johnson’s campaign gained momentum and he was eventually elected as the new leader of the party, and therefore, Prime Minister.

Since taking office, Johnson has faced numerous challenges, including Brexit negotiations, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing tensions with other world leaders. His response to these obstacles has been met with both praise and criticism, as he continues to uphold his promise to deliver Brexit and “level up” the UK’s economy.

Despite his brash and unpredictable nature, Johnson’s popularity among certain segments of the British population cannot be denied. His straight-talking and charismatic personality have won over many supporters, who see him as a refreshing change from traditional politicians.

However, his critics argue that his lack of attention to detail and tendency to make controversial statements make him unfit for the role of Prime Minister. They also point to his seemingly inconsistent policies and frequent changes in direction, causing confusion and frustration among the public.

Regardless of one’s opinion of him, one thing is certain: Boris Johnson’s journey from a brash journalist to the British Prime Minister is a testament to his unrelenting ambition and determination. His unique style and bold decisions have undoubtedly left a lasting mark on British politics, and only time will tell what other surprises he has in store for the country.