Boris Johnson comeback? Allies say ‘partygate’ report could make it easier

Supporters of the former British PM say the severity of the penalty proposed over ‘partygate’ could actually strengthen his claim of a witch-hunt.

Boris Johnson is laying out a long-term strategy for a return to frontline politics. Picture montage: The Times

Boris Johnson has repeatedly defied the laws of political gravity. Now his allies claim the severity of the punishment proposed by the privileges committee could actually make it easier for him to return to frontline politics.

While that may look far-fetched given its damning conclusions, supporters say the length of the punishment is so out of kilter with the evidence that it lends credence to his assertion that he is the victim of a politically inspired witch-hunt. They are already describing it as a “punishment beating”.

By questioning the legitimacy of the findings, Johnson is laying out a long-term strategy for a return to frontline politics. Many of those close to him say the former PM neither wants nor expects to return to the Commons this side of a general election.

Having recently bought a £3.8 million ($7 million) house, they say, his priority is earning the money to pay for it. Nor will he try to return immediately after a general election, even if the Tories lose and elect a leader sympathetic to his cause.

Rather, they think he will wait to see how events unfold while allowing the furore of partygate to fade. If a new leader failed to make ground against a Labour government, that would provide Johnson with the opportunity for a comeback.

Polls show he is still popular among the party’s grassroots and it is not impossible that some Tory MPs and members might view him as their best hope of returning to power.

In a way, the strategy is similar to how he became prime minister. He will hover in the wings, using his ability to generate headlines to remain relevant, as a prince across the water ready to be called back into service.

Allies admit this is a long shot. It is hard to see Tory MPs entrusting their fate to Johnson once more. It is harder still to see voters returning him to No 10.

The Times