Boris Johnson Accuses Nigel Farage of Tory Turmoil, Advises Party on Leadership in Wake of Election Defeat

Boris Johnson points the finger at Nigel Farage, referring to him as the 'Pied Piper' for contributing to the downfall of the Conservative Party. Writing in his column, the ex-Prime Minister suggests that the Tories should retain leaders who have a proven track record of winning elections, advising, "When we return to power, let’s not rush to dismiss leaders who have delivered electoral success."

By Rachel McGrath, journalism correspondent

Saturday, July 6, 2024, 5:

Boris Johnson has stated that Nigel Farage was notably influential in undermining the Conservative Party, simultaneously criticizing the individuals responsible for his removal from 10 Downing Street in 2022.

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

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

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Ex-Prime Minister Mr. Johnson analyzed his party's electoral outcomes in his column for the Daily Mail, describing the factors behind the Conservatives' significant loss of members as "complex." However, he pointed out that the central cause of the disaster was clear: it was due to the Reform party.

Mr. Johnson reported that one Conservative MP, who was confident of victory, discovered just before the election that "thousands" of Conservative supporters were switching their votes to the Reform Party, ultimately allowing Labour to outpace both competitors and secure a majority.

"He emphasized that when this event is mirrored throughout the political scene, it explains the reason behind the overwhelming victory," he noted, then shifted his focus to Mr. Farage.

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He expressed: "It seems the cigar-smoking Pied Piper from Clacton has indeed played a major role—as he likely planned—in bringing down the Tory government."

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Mr. Johnson subsequently shared some guidance for the Conservative Party, referencing his departure from Downing Street in June 2022.

"He emphasized the importance of not rushing to dismiss leaders who have successfully won elections when we return."

"I often mention that, just before I had to step down, several surveys showed we were trailing by merely two or three points, primarily due to a frenzy largely fueled by the media."

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

A different Conservative personality has squarely attributed the outcome of the general election to Mr. Johnson and his successor, Liz Truss.

During an interview with Sky News, Conservative member Lord Patten commented, "This party is the most historic in democratic terms and it has been devastated by terrible divisions, poor policies, and a loss of core values.

"The situation has not been degraded by Rishi Sunak. Instead, it has been compromised by individuals such as Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and their ilk."

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With Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour Party assuming power, the Conservative Party is now dealing with a leadership contest following the announcement of Rishi Sunak's resignation.

No candidates have formally announced their intentions to succeed Mr. Sunak, however, it is anticipated that Members of Parliament such as former cabinet ministers Kemi Badenoch, Suella Braverman, and James Cleverly will enter the race.

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