Boris Johnson’s Eleventh-Hour Rally: A Spectacular but Likely Futile Attempt to Salvage Tory Fortunes

Boris Johnson energizes supporters with a classic display – yet this appearance comes too late to rescue the Conservatives

The entertainer excels once more, but this appealing effort is unlikely to alter the party's electoral destiny.

Lead political reporter @joncraig

Wednesday, July 3, 2024, 2:

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He hasn’t lost his touch. Although Boris Johnson arrived somewhat belatedly to the scene – specifically, the Conservative Party scene – his last-minute passionate appeal to the party loyalists was quintessentially Boris, reminiscent of times past.

This performance was a disorganized, yet electrifying spectacle, reminiscent of the ones he delivered at crowded Conservative conference side events when he was the anticipated leader, and received like a celebrity by his devoted followers.

In the past, he often overshadowed and embarrassed both David Cameron and Theresa May.

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This occasion saw Rishi Sunak as the target, whom supporters of Mr. Johnson blame for betraying him and spearheading the effort to remove him from office.

"Et tu, Brute?" seems to have transformed into "Et tu, Boris." In addition to rising to the occasion during the Tories' critical moment, he was evidently there to address past grievances, uphold his legacy, and remind the Tory supporters that he remains in the fray.

He definitely accomplished all those things.

Even though Conservative supporters who showed up close to 10pm love him, does he continue to attract voters? Or does he represent to the undecided electorate memories of party scandals, corruption, and Conservative disorder?

However, he made it evident that he was present on his own conditions.

Mr. Johnson emphasized that he was invited to address the gathering, starting his remarks from hastily written notes on wrinkled sheets of paper.

In essence, Mr. Sunak had pleaded with him to intervene following a calamitous Conservative election campaign. He had no intentions of volunteering. He expected Mr. Sunak to plead and implore.

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Mr. Sunak received neither commendation nor a handshake during his speech.

The event featured other speakers, initially Michael Gove followed by Mr. Sunak, but it was predominantly a showcase for Boris, dominated by his solo performance.

Despite the Prime Minister delivering arguably his most forceful speech of the election season following his appearance, one might wonder why he waited until the end. Clearly, it was Mr. Johnson who stole the spotlight, headlining the event and eliciting loud cheers from the Conservative supporters as they chanted his name.

'After Starmer's Usual Sleep Time'

Following an introductory speech from Mr. Gove and a subdued declaration that caught the crowd off guard, the headline act made his way onto the stage, dressed in a poorly tailored suit, with disheveled, long-overdue-for-a-trim hair, and noticeably more weight on him than during his tenure at Number 10.

When was his last trip to the barber?

He habitually tousles his wild blonde hair before speaking publicly, as part of his routine. The renowned Ken Dodd did something similar. Supporters claim that Boris, the comedian, is equally humorous as the guy from Knotty Ash.

He appeared quite disheveled, but the audience didn't mind at all. They cheered "Boris! Boris!" reminiscent of the times he was the favorite at the conference sidelines.

He opened, as expected, with a joke targeting Sir Keir Starmer, the individual he previously dubbed "Captain Crasheroonie Snoozefest" during prime minister's questions.

He expressed his gratitude to the crowd "for showing up at such a late hour to this location, well beyond Sir Keir Starmer's usual bedtime." Bang, bang! The Labour leader might need to tolerate the ribbing about his 6pm Friday curfew for a while longer.

"He expressed happiness about Rishi requesting his assistance, noting, 'Of course, I couldn't refuse.'"

Likely not, however, those Red Wall Conservatives at risk of losing in Thursday's election would have preferred if he had joined the campaign much sooner.

Switching Focus to Farage

Johnson delivered his typical defense of his pandemic management and the vaccine distribution. He repeatedly boasted, as expected, "We achieved Brexit." He described it as "a genuine Brexit," proclaiming his administration a "Brexit government."

Possibly. The crowd enjoyed it, but then why are numerous Conservatives shifting their allegiance to Reform UK if it was indeed a success?

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Subsequently, Sir Keir was mocked as "Jeremy Corbyn's follower" and criticized for "blindly adhering to EU regulations." Additionally, he was labeled "poor old Starmer" and reportedly "hesitant to clarify the distinction between a man and a woman," he alleged.

Then he directed his criticism at Nigel Farage, a step that Mr. Sunak and his top officials ought to have taken weeks earlier.

Explore further: Another Reform contender withdraws, endorsing the Conservatives. Can a prime minister effectively set aside dedicated family time?

He accused Reform UK of being dominated by "Kremlin sympathizers" and labeled them as Putin's "favorite mouthpieces." "They should be ashamed!" he exclaimed, prompting a surge of applause from the audience.

Then a classic Johnson quip: "Don't let the Putin supporters bring in the Corbyn supporters!"

Retro, indeed. Humorous, of course. An exceptional entertainer, without a doubt.

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Is he still a valuable player, considering that numerous voters seem inclined to hold the Conservatives accountable for his tenure in Downing Street, rather than attributing the party's shortcomings to Mr. Sunak?

Regardless of public opinion on Boris Johnson, his eleventh-hour appearance is likely too delayed to prevent the Conservatives from a significant loss as forecasted by the polls.

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