Boris Johnson Accuses Nigel Farage of Decimating Tories, Issues Warning Against Ousting Leaders

Boris Johnson points the finger at Nigel Farage, likening him to the 'Pied Piper' for his part in the downfall of the Conservative Party. In his column for a newspaper, the ex-Prime Minister shares his counsel for the Tories, stating: "Upon our return, we should think twice before dismissing leaders who have proven victorious in elections."

By Rachel McGrath, journalist

Saturday, July 6, 2024, 5:

Boris Johnson has stated that Nigel Farage was notably influential in the downfall of the Conservative Party, and he also criticized the individuals responsible for his removal from 10 Downing Street in 2022.

The Conservative Party suffered a significant loss in the general election, with many prominent members losing their seats, while the Labour Party achieved an overwhelming win.

Reform UK has won five seats in the House of Commons, with its leader Mr. Farage being successfully elected in Clacton, Essex.

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Ex-prime minister Mr. Johnson analyzed his party's showing in his Daily Mail commentary, stating that the factors behind the Tories' significant loss of MPs were "complex." However, he pointed out that "the Yucatan asteroid in this catastrophe was clear: it was Reform."

Mr. Johnson reported that he spoke with a Conservative MP who was confident in securing a victory, but discovered just before the election that "thousands" of Conservative supporters were switching their votes to the Reform Party, ultimately allowing the Labour Party to surpass both competitors and gain the majority.

"Extend that occurrence throughout the entire political scene, and you start to understand what triggered the overwhelming victory," he continued, shifting focus to Mr. Farage.

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He stated: "The cigar-smoking Pied Piper from Clacton clearly had a major role – as he likely planned – in bringing down the Tory government."

Explore further: Full transcript of Rishi Sunak’s resignation speechDetailed examination: Was this a 'loveless landslide'? Insights into why this election was record-breaking

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Mr. Johnson proceeded to give guidance to the Conservative Party, referencing his departure from Downing Street in June 2022.

"He emphasized that upon our return, we should avoid quickly dismissing leaders who have proven successful in winning elections," he stated.

"I often mention that in the days leading up to my resignation, which was largely fueled by media frenzy, some surveys showed that we were merely two or three points behind."

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Mr. Johnson stepped down as Prime Minister following a series of scandals, such as the partygate affair and his management of the Chris Pincher issue, which led to over 50 government officials resigning from their posts.

Another Conservative Party member has squarely attributed the outcome of the general election to Mr. Johnson and his successor, Liz Truss.

During an interview with Sky News, Lord Patten, a Conservative peer, commented, "As the most longstanding party in democratic history, it has been devastated by terrible divisions, poor policies, and a loss of core values.

"The damage hasn't been caused by Rishi Sunak. Instead, it's been inflicted by individuals such as Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and their ilk."

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As Sir Keir Starmer and his Labour Party colleagues begin their term in office, the Conservative Party is gearing up for a leadership contest following Rishi Sunak's decision to step down.

No candidates have formally announced their intentions to succeed Mr. Sunak, however, it is anticipated that MPs such as ex-cabinet members Kemi Badenoch, Suella Braverman, and James Cleverly will enter the race.

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