Boris Johnson has been described as a ‘loner’ who dislikes parties, according to former Times political editor, Tim Shipman. Despite his seemingly lively persona, Shipman claimed that the former prime minister actually shies away from social gatherings. Shipman made these remarks at an event promoting his latest book, No Way Out: Brexit: From the Backstop to Boris, during the Henley Literary Festival at Phyllis Court in Henley-on-Thames.
In his book, Shipman delves into Boris Johnson’s pivotal role in the Brexit saga, which has been a divisive issue in British politics. He conducted extensive research, including over 600 interviews with government officials and the prime minister himself, accumulating over 3.5 million words of transcripts. Shipman’s insights come ahead of the release of Johnson’s memoir, Unleashed, which has already received criticism.
Addressing the Partygate scandal in the context of the pandemic, Shipman revealed that Johnson has an aversion to parties and dislikes mingling with unfamiliar people in private settings. He also mentioned that while Johnson may occasionally consume alcohol heavily, he is not a constant heavy drinker and generally keeps a low profile.
Shipman also touched upon Johnson’s personal life, noting that his turbulent romantic relationships may stem from a lack of confidence. Shipman suggested that Johnson seeks female companionship in an attempt to seek validation or comfort. Furthermore, Shipman highlighted Johnson’s competitive nature in professional settings, characterising him as a ‘fairly bleak character’ during closed-door meetings with government officials.
Comparing Johnson to historical figure Winston Churchill, Shipman noted similarities between the two leaders but ultimately concluded that Johnson fell short of Churchill’s legacy when faced with critical moments. While both Johnson and Churchill were seen as ambitious and self-centred figures, Shipman argued that Churchill demonstrated true leadership during times of crisis, a quality he believes Johnson lacked.
Shipman’s book, No Way Out: Brexit: From the Backstop to Boris, is now available to the public. The insights provided by Shipman offer an intriguing perspective on Boris Johnson’s personality and leadership style, shedding light on both his public and private persona.