Boris Johnson is a charismatic, controversial figure in British politics. His unruly blond mop of hair, bumbling comedic style, and endless stream of political blunders have made him both loved and loathed by the British public.

Born in New York City in 1964 to British parents, Johnson was educated at the prestigious Eton College and Oxford University. He began his career as a journalist, writing for The Times and The Daily Telegraph, before becoming editor of The Spectator magazine.

In 2001, Johnson entered the world of politics, winning a seat in the House of Commons as a member of the Conservative Party. His quick wit and knack for winning over crowds quickly made him a rising star in British politics.

In 2008, Johnson was elected as the Mayor of London, winning a second term in 2012. With his bold promises to tackle crime and improve transportation, he became a popular figure in the capital city.

However, his mayoralty was not without controversy. Johnson was heavily criticized for his handling of the London riots in 2011, and his decision to scrap the proposed London airport expansion at Heathrow led to accusations of indecisiveness.

Despite these challenges, Johnson’s popularity continued to grow, and in 2016, he played a prominent role in the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union. His passionate speeches, eccentric personality, and relentless campaigning were seen as key factors in the success of the “Leave” vote.

Following the Brexit referendum, Johnson was appointed as the UK’s Foreign Secretary, a position he held until 2018 when he resigned in protest of Theresa May’s Brexit deal.

In 2019, Johnson made a bold and unexpected move by running for the leadership of the Conservative Party, and by extension, the position of Prime Minister. Despite his colorful past and controversies, he was seen as a favorite among party members due to his strong stance on Brexit.

Johnson won the leadership contest and became Prime Minister in July 2019. However, his reign as Prime Minister has been anything but smooth sailing. His controversial decision to prorogue (suspend) Parliament in the lead-up to the Brexit deadline caused uproar among opposition parties and the public.

Johnson’s commitment to deliver Brexit “do or die” by October 31, 2019, was met with significant backlash as Parliament attempted to pass legislation to block a no-deal Brexit. In September 2019, the Supreme Court ultimately ruled that the prorogation of Parliament was unlawful.

Despite these setbacks, Johnson was able to secure a new Brexit deal with the EU in October 2019 and called for a snap general election in the hopes of gaining a majority in Parliament to push through his Brexit plan.

In December 2019, Johnson’s Conservative Party won a convincing majority in the general election, giving him the power to push through his Brexit deal and fulfill his promise to “get Brexit done.”

However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 changed the political landscape. Johnson’s handling of the crisis has been heavily criticized, with the UK recording one of the highest death rates in Europe. His government’s response has been deemed slow and chaotic, and he faced further backlash after his senior adviser broke lockdown rules.

As a result, Johnson’s approval ratings have plummeted, and his leadership has been called into question. The rise of his popularity has been overshadowed by the fall of his reputation.

In conclusion, Boris Johnson’s political career has been a rollercoaster ride, full of highs and lows. Despite his success in getting Brexit done, his handling of the current crisis has tainted his legacy. Only time will tell if he will be remembered as a prime minister who achieved a historic Brexit or the leader who failed to protect his country during a pandemic.