Boris Johnson's Brexit move not 'careerist' says father

LONDON

Just over three months before the June 23 referendum to determine whether the U.K. will remain a member of the European Union, the pro- and anti-EU campaigns are taking shape.

One significant figure to declare himself in the ‘out’ camp is London’s Conservative mayor Boris Johnson.

Johnson’s move – together with the intention of more than 100 Conservative MPs to fight for a British exit from the EU – dealt a significant blow to Prime Minister David Cameron and his pro-EU campaign.

Johnson – a distinctive character with a career as a journalist and TV personality – has been seen as a potential rival to Cameron for some years, despite the pair having been close personally, especially during their time at one of Britain’s elite colleges.

But some close to Johnson – whose tenure as London mayor ends in May – think his move to the ‘Brexit’ camp is not a wise one, accusing him of putting personal ambition ahead of the best interests of the country.

Boris Johnson’s father, Stanley Johnson – a former Conservative MP himself – rejects this, telling Anadolu Agency that his son’s move was not well thought-out.

“I think to say this is a careerist move… would be a total travesty. I can’t think of a more career-ending move than to do what he did,” he said.

“He’s leaving the mayoralty in May and if he wanted to get a nice job in the Cabinet on May 8, this is certainly not the way to do it,” Johnson senior added.

“If I was a career planner…the last thing I would advise him to do would be to have come out the day before yesterday against Europe.

“He was looking for, in career terms, a good ministerial job falling in his lap the day after his mayoralty ended. Don't tell me that's going to fall in his lap now,” Johnson added.

Boris Johnson’s position on the EU referendum has sparked controversy since it has pitted him against his party leader David Cameron and received wide praise from the Tories’ right-wing rival, the eurosceptic United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP).

However, despite the London mayor nailing his colors to the anti-EU mast, even those close to him think the country will stay in the European bloc.

“Boris took a view and I respect that view. And, in the end, the people will decide. I am fairly convinced that we will stay in the EU on June 23,” Stanley Johnson added.