The Fall of Boris Johnson: The Full Story

by Sebastian Payne

Boris Johnson was touted as the saviour of the country and the Conservative Party, obtaining a huge commons majority and finally getting Brexit done. But within three short years, he was deposed in disgrace, leaving the country in crisis.

Sebastian Payne, Whitehall Editor for the Financial Times, tells the essential behind-the-scenes story, charting the series of scandals that felled Johnson: from the blocked suspension of Owen Paterson to partygate, and, then the final death blow: the Chris Pincher allegations. This is the full narrative of the betrayals, rivalries and resignations that resulted in the dramatic Conservative coup and set in motion events that saw the party sink to catastrophic new lows.

With unparalleled access to those who were in the room when key decisions were made, Payne tells of the miscalculations and mistakes that led to Boris’s downfall. This is a gripping and timely look at how power is gained, wielded and lost in Britain today.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Audiobook, History, British Literature, Biography, Current Affairs

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 24, 2022

Reviews

[Eliza · Rating 3 out of 5]

read under duress (a christmas present) but i do enjoy reading about tories having a terrible time

[Christopher Day · Rating 2 out of 5]

A reasonable account of Johnson's fall, as told by a journalist/think tanker/hopeful MP. As a 'first draft of history', it works well as a blow-by-blow account of the events leading up to Johnson's resignation (the postscript, on the leadership election that followed, is weaker).

But this could have been so much more. For starters, anybody who followed the events in the newspaper coverage at the time will know almost everything here already, even to the extent of re-using quotes from 'a source close to Johnson'. Almost every single quote here is unattributable, which is understandable but grates and diminishes its authority somewhat.

There's also a lack of extra analysis from Payne, except for in the postscript. He doesn't really get to grips with why things ended in the way that they did.

Here are, in my view, the key reasons for Johnson's downfall:
- Johnson always acted in his own short-term interest. Every time a scandal blew up, his strategy was to just keep fighting until the next day. This allowed the narrative of a scandal-ridden government to gain momentum. If each scandal had been dealt with immediately, in a single swoop, then it would have been harder for such a narrative to dominate.
- Johnson failed to grasp that his strong mandate after the 2019 election victory gave him room for manoeuvre in assembling his government. He would dominate it no matter what. Instead, he filled the Cabinet with his acolytes, deliberately choosing subpar ministers rather than picking the most talented politicians at his disposal. That made it harder to control the parliamentary party, meant there was discontent with his leadership from the start, and meant he failed to lead an effective government.
- Surrounding himself with acolytes meant his messaging was hopeless. In the pandemic, it was always going to be a problem that the rules implemented had a massive impact on a huge number of voters (many not interacting with anybody except those they lived with), whereas those working at No 10 continued in a Covid-existence that was very similar to their pre-Covid existence (even if we exclude the parties from the equation). There was a total failure to understand how the rules they enacted actually affected people, and a total failure to realise how their messaging would go down with voters.
- Connected to this is the notion that Johnson 'got the big calls right'. He constantly repeated this phrase, but did anyone actually buy it? His government had done well on the vaccine rollout and on responding to the Ukraine war, but (especially with the vaccines) it was pretty clear what needed to be done, and it was implementation that mattered rather than decision-making.
- His government was always reactive, rather than proactive. His only two successes were reactions to issues as they came up. Where was the proactive policymaking to deliver on the 2019 manifesto? Instead time was spent trying to privatise C4 and dealing, every day, with the scandals that the government failed to control.

Those reasons could be accurate or could be nonsense, but combined they make up almost as much analysis as Payne offers in an entire book. Lots of his analysis also relies on the usual tropes about Johnson and his character, rather than events as they happened.

Payne also has some questionable takes of his own. For example, he says that Johnson mattered more than any other 'leader' since Blair. I'm assuming by 'leader' he actually means 'UK prime ministers', in which case I would argue for Cameron as the one who matters the most, setting the tone for British and Scottish politics for the ensuing decade with his two referendums. If opening up to non-PMs, Farage is there too. Yes, Johnson 'got Brexit done', but the rest of 'why he mattered' is that he happened to be in power when the pandemic happened and when Putin decided to invade Ukraine - events he had nothing to do with. Payne also ignores some scandals completely or almost completely (Johnson's holidays, wallpapering, and various attempts to undermine democratic norms and make obvious the failings of the 'good chap' model of government.

[Nick Garbutt · Rating 2 out of 5]

This might have been award winning but it is certainly not, as the blurb claims, "explosive" nor is it, by any means "the full story."
Payne's account reads well but it tells us nothing followers of the story did not already know. Indeed it is more "revelatory" about the workings of the Westminster lobby than of its subject.
Search in vain for analysis of Johnson's donors and other income streams, his curious relationship with Evgeny Lebedev, the mess he made of Brexit and the damage he did to the Northern Ireland peace process. Don't look for any serious consideration of the disorganisation and lack of focus that brought No 10 into disrepute and made his country a global laughing stock. You'll not find any examination of the role his wife played in creating instability during his time in office. Nor is there any of his enduring legacy, in terms of lost lives, or lack of trust in high office.
Payne's account is not a valedictory, but its not too far from one, it is remarkable, given recent events that someone so well informed in so many respects should have written it. It is dedicated to his wife "who was and remains a slight Boris fan." Pass the sick bag.

[Jacob Stelling · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent account of Boris Johnson's downfall, even if we learned little which was new given the book was essentially a collation of tweets and news articles.

There was little analysis at work here, in contrast to similar works, and did not look into any of the longer-term factors which played into Johnson's downfall. As a work of contemporary history, the book offers a reliable narrative - albeit with factual errors and mistakes - but will disappoint those looking for a more deep dive into the fall of this disgraceful leader.

[Philippe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not especially well-written, and fails to really explore Johnson's relationship with British democratic norms (Lebedev in the Lords, holidays paid for by donors, etc)

[T. Kovak · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is like an insanely bad book. Boris is an interesting character, and a lot of what he does is absurd in both a funny and degrading way but Payne can't write a book to save his life. He actively makes the story worse. Genuinely made me consider that the robot is right and humans don't fucking deserve writing.

[Lee Prescott · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of a pot-boiler this one, but too many quotes from unverified sources to make the narrative entirely credible.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before starting this book I thought that it might have been published too soon. Unfortunately, I was proven partially correct.

The book provides a great chronology for how Boris Johnson was eventually removed. This was helpful because it is hard to remember all of the scandals that happened. However, it seems that the author at times speculates about issues that are just too difficult to know at this stage. For instance, it is too early to say what Johnson's impact on political discourse is.

[Jerry Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a Brit living in the US I try to keep an eye on the current affairs of both my country of residence and my country of birth. It is more difficult to appreciate the nuances of the day to day events in the UK since the coverage overseas is naturally at a top level. So, when I was recently back in London, it seemed a good time to become acquainted with the events that led to the downfall of one of Britains worst Prime Ministers (and human beings) at least that I can recall (although Truss was worse).

I loathe everything that Boris Johnson is and stands for. Bombastic, narcissistic, arrogant, convinced the rules only apply to others, self serving and utterly convinced he is right as well as being an opportunistic serial liar. It speaks a lot to the current state of political reality that someone like him, and Trump, were able to rise to the top of the power tree in their respective countries. Given that, it is unsurprising that I read this with a great deal of schadenfreude as well as interest in how events unfolded.

As I had appreciated from a 30000 ft height, there were a lot of issues that finally brought him down, but they all speak to his apparent belief that no rules applied to him and he could act with egregious self interest without suffering any consequences at all. It is fortunate that his party finally came to an end when his party finally had enough of this vile leader. However, I give them no credit since they were the most craven apologists for his shenanigans for far too long and really only decided to call time on him when it became clear he was an electoral liability rather than an asset. This mirrors the cravenness of GOP in regards to Trump although they still haven't broken with him in the US for the most part.

The catalogue of horrors overseen by him and his regime are well documented here: trying to change the rules of ministerial conduct for Owen Paterson who was unapologetic in his flouting of them for personal gain, the "partygate" scandals where he and others gleefully broke the COVID rules that they had put in place then repeatedly lied about them to the apparent final straw for his party when he again lied about and sought to protect Chris Pincher ("Pincher by name, pincher by nature" apparently falling from his lips as he joked about this serial sex predator). The fact that it took so long for enough to be enough is appalling, as is the fact that the most odious and fawning apologists for him (Jacob Rees-Mogg et al) never got there at all.

Easy to read account that is very straightforward in it's telling and allows the narrative to speak for itself without too much commentary and it succeeds I think but given my abhorrence for the man, I am predisposed to find this account particularly damming. I would perhaps have preferred some more depth but that wasn't really what the book was aimed at providing. I do question the editing to an extent since Guto Harri's name was mis-spelled on at least 2 occasions (writing "Hari") and whenever I see this in professionally put together books I wonder if there are other editing errors.

I imagine there will be more accounts of the Boris regime, his contribution to Brexit and his demonstrable trashing of decorum, ethics and honestly and they will probably look at him with a wider lens. This, however, was an interesting and easy read that brought me up to speed on the day to day developments that led to his reluctant resignation and that is why I picked it up after all.

[David Robert Bloomer · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the first volume of Margaret Thatchers biography, I thought I'd read a more modern book concerning a Prime Minister. I must admit I got this book purely on the basis that it was about Boris Johnson. Yes, it's not a book that is from his better days but it is a necessary read.
Boris Johnson got me into paying more attention to politics when he became Prime Minister in 2019. He uncovered my hidden Conservative views and made me want to learn more about the Party, and it's history. I've always thought he had a charisma about him from when I saw him on Have I Got News For You.

This book points to the main reasons why Boris fell before he should have. There seems to be a finality to his tenure as soon as the book starts. I did find it very informative and it does give a good timeline of the scandals that but Boris. I think all the swearing could have been toned down though. Yes people swear but blimey...
I did enjoy the book, even though it's content is about the fall of Boris. It did open my eyes to how out of touch certain parts of teams under Boris were; also, how Boris seemed a bit lacklustre in looking into things properly.

I'd recommend this book to any people whom like Boris and also to those who don't. It gives a rounded view of the comings and goings of Boris Johnson's fall from PM.

[F. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I admit, I was hoping this book would be more like a character study into Boris Johnson and the motivations behind the decisions he had made when embroiled in scandal after scandal. Unfortunately Payne had missed the mark. He details the final days of the end of Johnson's career in a chronological sequence that did capture the drama and tensions amongst all parties involved. This structure can work well, but at the same time, it also made this book drag out a bit, even though it was meant to be a fairly short volume (even shorter for me, considering I was listening to it via audiobook!). The epilogue, however, was the strongest part in that it did provide some of the deeper analysis that I was looking for.

It really depends on what you're looking for when reading a political biography. If you would like something that reads more like a tabloid with all the grisly details, this would be the book. However, I much prefer Seldon's Johnson at 10, which was more comprehensive, without being a slog to get through.

[Stephen Morrissey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sebastian Payne breaks out of the gate as the first cut at the decline and fall of Boris Johnson. For British politicos and Westminster insiders, the book is a thorough march through the many scandals of the Johnson premiership, culminating with the revelations of "Partygate" and the disastrous decision to promote Pincher. For those less familiar with current British politics, the book likely strikes more of a tedious note, and fails to delve much into the moral and historical questions of the era: why is Johnson so popular with the masses? What personality traits led to the downfall? What does the fall of Johnson say about the health of British parliamentary democracy as compared to the Trump-induced fragility of American republicanism?

If there is one theme that emerges, it is that there is no constant state in British politics; fluctuation is the norm, at least for the foreseeable future.

[George Morrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sebastian Payne, a journalist for the Financial Times offers us a splendid overview of the events which precipitated the downfall and defenestration of Boris Johnson.

Payne, employing insights gleaned from a variety of actors, paints a picture of utter chaos and confusion. Johnson, not helped by his frequent absences struggled greatly with the demands of his job and his usual immunity from consequences. Factor in some appalling decisions such as partygate and the Chris Pincher affair and it's more of a surprise that he endured as long as he did than that he was forced out.

I wasn't sure there's enough for a book here and the last chapter is dedicated to Liz Truss' fight to succeed Johnson. I get the impression that the author sympathises with Johnson but not to the point of compromising their ability as a writer.

That said, there's not much here for anyone interested in Politics. You probably know it all already but this is a good overview/refresher.

[David Allwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since childhood, Boris Johnson yearned for the British prime ministership. But the gaping difference between coveting the job and having the depth of leadership and political acumen for such a position, are intelligently highlighted in ‘The Fall of Boris Johnson’ by Sebastian Payne. This is a substantial, melancholy, and somewhat inevitable political story about a needy populist becoming hugely unpopular based on an almost pathological avoidance of confrontation and his consequential lying and stumbling misjudgements. As he became increasingly distrusted and disliked, Johnson’s style of leadership was completely unsuited to rebuilding his credibility and his reputation. The author searingly describes the prime minister’s subsequent decline as inescapable. Boris Johnson’s fall from grace was inexorable and almost entirely due to his own flaws, perhaps embedded since he first yearned to be the prime minister, based on the need to simply be liked.

[Harry Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent book and first draft of history. It does a good job at bringing some clarity and narrative to what was an exhausting, tumultuous, and frantic period in British politics by focussing on the three Ps of Boris Johnson’s downfall: Paterson, partygate, and Pincher.

There is the occasional bit of additional insight and gossip - like No10 asking the Cabinet Office quite how small a government could be to function in the wake of all the resignations in July - but not at the same level as Tim Shipman’s books. For anyway following the final months / weeks / days / hours of Boris Johnson, there won’t be a huge amount of new information, but it provides a easy and straightforward account of how Boris Johnson blew it.

[Mrs J Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be an interesting read. It is all very recent, so still fresh in people's minds, but I found it very helpful to have the timeline plotted out for us, with links made between the actions and consequences. I believe it clearly demonstrates Johnson's flaws and sense of superiority. He is essentially a weak man, who craves respect and adoration, but does not have the skills or character to be a great leader. He bends with the wind, and ultimately does what's best for himself. I think this book clearly demonstrates this for us.

I found it an easy, engaging read, taking us briskly through the events with clear analysis provided by the author. Whilst the personal analysis, by definition, is subjective, it attempts to explain why the party decided he had to go. Even if you disagree with any of the analysis, it does open up the wider debate around the events, and Johnson's ultimate downfall.

[A G Hind · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining description of the politically chaotic times the UK found itself in during 2022. The reader gains an insight into Boris’s mindset and approach - whether you agree with him and his followers or not, it’s an essential read to try and understand just how much we have moved away from the traditional political practices of the past.

It’s not a targeted job, but it does dispel Boris’s followers’ claims that it was all a “witch hunt” (now where have I heard that phrase before?)

The book basically ends with Liz Truss taking over, but not the dramatic events that followed that period. Come on Seb, write a similar book about the (even more chaotic) weeks of LT’s tenure as PM.

[Stephen Bacon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was rather disappointed with this book, which read almost as a manuscript trying to explain why Boris Johnson was so let down by special advisors, parliamentary colleagues and civil servants, and why the media is to blame for the poor image and all-time low standards that the former Prime Minster has dragged into British politics. Most of what is detailed in the book was already reported and widely discussed, and Payne resorts to Twitter exhanges and statements from unnamed Westminster contacts, complete with swear words, in an effort to prove their authenticity.

The author is clearly a member of the Boris Johnson cult, and throws several attempted smokescreens in an effort to mitigate his hero's dishonesty and moral dereliction.

I was hoping for a book displaying something more balanced, with less bias, but sadly this is not it.

[Jesse Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great effort from Payne, who remains one of Westminster's best political scribes. All the gory, minute-by-minute details of Johnson's fall from grace are catalogued here -- with as many catty off-the-record comments as you might expect. If there's one drawback, it's that there's not much new to learn here -- if you're an SW1 junkie like myself, and lived through all these events in real-time. The final chapter's analysis on Johnson's political trajectory is worth the wait, however.

[JJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A straightforward and factual account of the final months of the Johnson premiership. There are no great revelations, the book lacks the insider thrill that the likes of Tim Shipmans Brexit books have. It is however informative and competently written. A recommended read for anyone interested in the behind the scenes machinations of Westminster.

[Adam Murfet · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a fine account of history. However there is not too much insider information with sources being the BBC, Twitter or the media. There is little insider knowledge of what happened with some conjecture in here. It’s a fine recount of recent history. However, there is little new information in here.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice retelling of the story with some extra comments

Warning, its a bit of a Boris apology. Payne prefers to say "relationship with the truth" and "highly pragmatic approach" rather than just calling it lying.

He also describes Boris' achievements as "small but substantial." Not sure what to make of that 🤷

[Roland Lim · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a huge disappointment. Does not seem to have any new information and if you follow the news, there is not much new information here. I would have returned it after the first few pages if not for the fact that it was too late for me to return this to Amazon. I had to force myself to finish it.

[Gerry Stansby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, quite factual and concentrated on the sequence of events without too much judgement on the ethics of what was going on at times. Having seen most of this play out in the media fairly recently. I don’t think I really learnt too much but it was interesting to see it all put down in one sequence.

[Matt Loten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Snappy and digestible, but doesn't offer much fresh insight into Johnson's fall - will probably be of more value in a few years time as an overview of a critical juncture in British political history for those too young to have followed it closely as it happened. For those of us who experienced its horrors first-hand, not so much.

[Lee · Rating 1 out of 5]

A Wikipedia style retelling events you probably already know. Uninspired prose, blatant gramatical errors, and obsessed with repeating the title of every person in case you have forgotten their job when you last read about them (one page ago)

[Gary Boland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boris seemed like he could get away with anything. Doesn't matter what he did or said his vote-getting ability papered over the cracks. Then along comes chris pincher and as usual it isn't the screw-up, it's the cover-up. So it was with Boris

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tough read as it was horrible to relieve all the chaos and naked self-Interest. Let’s hope never again to we have such a shambles of a Government.

Sebastian Payne’s writing is clear and concise and draws an excellent conclusion.

[Andrew Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wrong sort of history

I always thought that Boris was more important than most premiers in recent history and this book reinforces that assertion. Enjoyed reading the nitty gritty of his downfall but still feel he was let down by his aides. Sad.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sloppy writing and editing once again spoilt a book for me.

Which is a shame because this is otherwise a gripping, remarkably detailed account of how and why Boris Johnson was already on the way out when he was seemingly at the height of his power and success.