David Cameron: "i Love Boris Johnson, And I Want Him To Stand As An Mp At The Next General Election"

[sp1814]

Okay...I'm paraphrasing, but the gist is that David Cameron has a big old man crush on Boris Johnson, and wants to bask in his reflected glory:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/10713216/David-Cameron-wants-Boris-Johnson-back-as-MP-for-next-election.html

How do you feel about this?

Personally, as a lifelong Labour voter (leftie liberal Islington coffee shop dweller), I feel conflicted. I genuinely like Old Boris and his sub-Debbie Harry blonde locks...but would his re-entry into national politics spell trouble for Dave? As a possible successor?

[naomi24]

There’s something in what Zacs said at 7.33. ‘Celebrity’ often impresses more than political ideology.

[emmie]

he is very telegenic, whilst Cameron isn't, and Boris has a tendency to say stuff that Cameron won't, can't. Not sure about man crush, that seems a vast leap, more that Cameron needs to keep Boris on side,

[mikey4444]

I am on record here on AB of saying that it would be most unwise to underestimate Boris. Beneath all that waw-waw-wawing and head scratching clown act, lies a very capable politician. If the Tories had ditched dave and put Boris into position, the outcome of the 2015 Election would be more assured by now.

[naomi24]

Boris is eccentric and likes to play the buffoon - and people like him for it - but he's certainly no fool.

[mikey4444]

Bang on the button naomi !

[Svejk]

come on now, back to the rowing ;-)

[Quizmonster]

Doubtless the gambler is an asset-stripper, casino banker or some such, so he's only punting money that Davy-boy 'gave' him anyway!

[Svejk]

doubtless

[jno]

Americas don't take celebrity culture all that far. Reagan, the one actor to make it to the White House, actually served a long apprenticeship in politics. Schwarzenegger, a Hollywood figure, was a reasonably appropriate governor of California (but couldn't become president because he wasn't born in America - they're choosier than we are about migrants). Eastwood was town mayor. And I don't know of any TV or print journalists who've made it into high office.

[naomi24]

Svejk, we only row when he's being silly. I like him really. :o)

[Gromit]

People have short memories.

When Boris resigned his Henley parliamentary seat to become London Mayor, there was rejoicing in the Conservative Party leadership. He was seen as a gaffe machine, off-message and a loose cannon. Cameron thought he was a liability at Westminster They could not see the back of him quick enough.

So what has changed?
Eight years later he is now seen as Cameron's natural successor. Conservative leaders like to influence whoever follows them (Thatcher chose Major) and Cameron does not want to be ousted by Johnson. This has nothing to do with Boris' celebrity or political standing, it is about keeping him from ousting Cameron. If it were about celebrity why didn't they bring him back in 2010 when they had a chance of a majority?

----------

This is how Boris' candidature for Mayor was reported in 2008...

// The Conservatives will hope that the flamboyant, gaffe-prone Henley MP will be able to break Labour's hold on the position.

Mr Johnson has garnered headlines as often for his behaviour as his politics.

Comments about Portsmouth and Liverpool, allegations of infidelity, and rip-roaring appearances on Have I Got News For You have added to a larger-than-life public persona that will ensure an entertaining, and potentially tight, Mayoral contest. //

http://news.sky.com/story/574491/boris-johnson-wins-tories-nomination-for-mayor-of-london

[LazyGun]

I think it is more a case of having everyone inside the tent pissing out, rather than having some of your team outside the tent pissing in. There are other high profile candidates within the Tory party for the leadership role following Cameron - Osborne and Gove, for starters. They do not want BoJo to be able to claim clean hands if they fail at the next GE.

That, and a kind of sop to those within the Tory party that want Boris as the next PM.

The man has charisma, there is no denying that, nor can you deny his intellect. I just cannot see him as Party Leader though, personally.

[Gromit]

Boris is not a buffoon.

Why would he join the sinking ship HMS Cameron? He is politically safer where he is.

The General Election will be in May 2015. If Labour come to power, Cameron will resign and a leadership contest will take place in the Autumn. The candidates usually parade at the Party conference and the election takes place soon after that.
That leaves a window of about 4 months for Boris to get elected as an MP. A surviving MP in a safe Conservative seat from the election could be persauded to stand down and trigger a bye election on the promise that they would get a safe seat in a future bye election when one became available. Maybe even a cabinet post. Boris could be an MP by August and take the Party Conference by storm. Osborne would not be a credible candidate at the party conference if he has just lost the general election. Gove is not well liked and has acieved nothing at Education. Boris elected leader by October.

[mikey4444]

Naomi...I am blushing !

[naomi24]

:o)