Boris Johnson's Return: Could He Save The Conservative Party?

Axel S�rensen

4 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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The Case for a Johnson Comeback

Many within the Conservative Party believe that only Boris Johnson can steer them away from the current crisis. This belief stems from several key factors.

His Popularity with the Conservative Base

Despite the controversies surrounding his premiership, Boris Johnson retains significant support among Tory members and voters.

• Grassroots support: Numerous online forums and local party meetings demonstrate continued fervent support for Johnson's leadership.
• Favorable polling data: While overall approval ratings are low, polls consistently show a segment of Conservative voters who still strongly favor Johnson. This core support base could be crucial in boosting the party's performance in upcoming elections.
• Continued public engagement: Johnson remains a highly visible figure, continuing to make public appearances and engage with Conservative Party support through various media channels. This maintains his profile and connection to the base. This active engagement reinforces his influence within the Conservative Party.

Experience and Leadership in Times of Crisis

Johnson's supporters point to his experience navigating significant challenges as prime minister.

• Brexit negotiations: His role in delivering Brexit, despite its complexities, is cited as a testament to his ability to handle high-pressure situations and make bold decisions. This showcases his political experience and capacity for decisive action.
• COVID-19 pandemic response: While the pandemic response was controversial, his supporters emphasize his decisive actions and leadership during the early stages of the crisis. This highlights his leadership skills and crisis management capabilities.
• Comparative analysis: Many argue his decisive actions during crises are more effective than the current leadership's approach. This comparison favors Johnson’s perceived strength and ability to lead during times of uncertainty.

Potential to Unify the Party

A key argument for Johnson's return focuses on his potential to heal the deep divisions within the Conservative Party.

• Bridging the gap: Proponents suggest his charisma and strong personality could unite warring factions within the party, fostering party unity and ending internal conflicts.
• Factional reactions: While some factions openly oppose him, others might see his return as a necessary evil to avoid electoral annihilation. The potential for reconciliation, however slim, is seen as a key factor by some.
• Restoring party cohesion: This potential unity could translate into a more cohesive and effective governing force, crucial in these turbulent times.

The Arguments Against a Johnson Return

The arguments against a Johnson comeback are equally compelling, focusing on the potential damage his return could inflict on the party.

The "Partygate" Scandal and its Lingering Impact

The "Partygate" scandal remains a significant obstacle to a Johnson return.

• Public opinion polls: Polls consistently show a significant portion of the public remains deeply critical of Johnson's conduct, and this negative sentiment could damage the party's electoral prospects.
• Further investigations: The risk of further investigations or legal repercussions hangs over Johnson, potentially creating further damage and distractions for the party.
• Impact on voter trust: This lack of public trust extends to the Conservative Party as a whole, negatively impacting the party’s reputation.

His Divisive Nature and its Impact on Public Opinion

Johnson's divisive nature is another significant concern.

• Negative public perceptions: Many voters remain deeply alienated by Johnson's style of leadership and specific policies, harming his voter appeal and the party's electability.
• Alienating policies: Several policies enacted during his tenure alienated significant portions of the electorate, impacting public perception.
• Approval ratings: His consistently low approval ratings compared to other political figures showcase his lack of broad public appeal and his potential to damage the party.

The Risk of Further Internal Conflict

A Johnson return could destabilize the party further.

• Rival factions: His return is almost guaranteed to spark fresh conflicts with rival factions within the party, potentially derailing any attempt at governance.
• Power struggles: His return would almost certainly trigger intense power struggles, diverting attention from pressing political issues.
• Impaired governance: The resultant internal conflict could seriously impair the party's ability to govern effectively and undermine its political stability.

Conclusion: Will Boris Johnson's Return Save the Conservatives? A Verdict

The arguments for and against Boris Johnson's return are finely balanced. While his supporters point to his experience, perceived popularity among the Conservative base, and potential to unify the party, opponents highlight the lingering damage from "Partygate," his divisive nature, and the risk of further internal conflict. Whether "Boris Johnson's Return" truly revitalizes the Conservative Party remains highly uncertain. The success or failure of such a move depends on a complex interplay of factors, and predicting the outcome with certainty is impossible. Share your thoughts on Boris Johnson's Return – what do you think his return would mean for the Conservative Party and the future of British politics? Let’s discuss!