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Boris Johnson on Rishi Sunak

Deeply critical ally (strong) Position evolved

TL;DR

Boris Johnson harbours significant resentment toward Rishi Sunak, viewing his past resignation as the ultimate betrayal causing his downfall.

Key Points

  • The former Prime Minister considered sending Rishi Sunak a foul-mouthed video following his resignation as Chancellor.

  • The former aide claimed Johnson viewed Sunak's resignation in the summer of 2022 as "the great betrayal of all time."

  • In June 2023, No 10 stated the Prime Minister respected the House of Commons' decision to endorse the privileges committee report against Johnson.

Summary

Boris Johnson's view of Rishi Sunak is dominated by the profound sense of betrayal felt after the Chancellor’s resignation in July 2022, which ultimately triggered the former Prime Minister's departure from office. A former aide claimed that the former Prime Minister considered sending a highly offensive video message to Sunak following this move, which he viewed as "the great betrayal of all time." Despite this intense personal animosity reportedly held in private, Johnson's public stance has shown some nuance, particularly regarding a Parliamentary vote where he was censured.

Following the privileges committee vote that censured him in June 2023, Downing Street maintained that the Prime Minister respected the decision of the house, with the official spokesperson confirming the Prime Minister respected the outcome. This suggests a careful separation between the Prime Minister's official position and the deep-seated private feelings reportedly held by Johnson towards the man who replaced him as leader, highlighting a complex, fractured relationship within the Conservative Party hierarchy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boris Johnson reportedly holds significant personal resentment toward Rishi Sunak, stemming from the Chancellor's resignation that led to his own ousting as Prime Minister. However, Johnson's public position has appeared more measured, respecting official parliamentary processes after censure.

Yes, a former aide alleged that Boris Johnson felt deeply betrayed by Sunak's resignation and even considered sending him an offensive video message at the time. This suggests intense private anger over the events leading to his departure.

The relationship appears to have evolved from intense private hostility following the July 2022 resignations to a more carefully managed public distance. While personal feelings of betrayal may persist, his engagement with Sunak's premiership has been more cautious.