Boris Johnson has become that incredibly rare figure in modern British politics, someone who is actually liked.
His charm, wit and unkempt mop of blond hair have endeared him to a public tired of “soundbite” politicians.
His early childhood, spent constantly moving between countries and being isolated because of a case of “glue ear”, allowed him to develop a love of reading.
At Eton, he was constantly trying to fit in and prove himself in such a rarefied environment.
As it would be for the rest of his life, his creative way with words and humour got him out of many tight spots.
From Oxford and the infamous Bullingdon Club, to national newspapers and all the way to City Hall, he has made his way to the top without it ever appearing to be planned.
Is his buffoonery hiding a fierce political ruthlessness?
Or is he continuing a life’s work of getting by thanks to the work of others?
Should David Cameron feel threatened?
Or has BoJo had enough of politics?
With his star only rising, there has never been a more relevant time to investigate a man who has become a true political phenomenon.
Nigel Cawthorne is the author of over 160 books including ‘Jeremy Motormouth’, ‘ A Prince Among Men’ and ‘A Little Bit of Stephen Fry’. He lives in Bloomsbury, London's literary area.
Nigel Cawthorne is an Anglo-American writer of fiction and non-fiction, and an editor. He has written more than 80 books on a wide range of subjects and has contributed to The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph Daily Mail and The New York Times. He has appeared on television and BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
Many of Nigel Cawthorne's books are compilations of popular history, without footnotes, references or bibliographies. His own web site refers to a description of his home as a "book-writing factory" and says, "More than half my books were commissioned by publishers and packagers for a flat fee or for a for a reduced royalty".
One of his most notable works was Taking Back My Name, an autobiography of Ike Turner, with whom he spent a number of weeks working with him on, taking up residence in Turner's house. The book caused much controversy, resulting in court cases for three years following its release.
Cawthorne currently lives in Bloomsbury, London with his girlfriend and son, Colin (born 1982).