Why Do Tories Keep Boris Johnson in the Party?

Recently, a Quora question posed the inquiry, ldquo;Why do the Tories keep Boris Johnson around?rdquo; This question itself is somewhat vacuous, devoid of clarity and courage. Indeed, the real issue is not whether the Tories ldquo;keeprdquo; Johnson around but rather what are the underlying reasons some members of the Conservative Party might find him invaluable.

What Does ldquo;Keep Aroundrdquo; Mean?

The term ldquo;keep him aroundrdquo; is often used but rarely defined. It implies either expulsion from the party, banning from key events, or restricting his public speaking. To clarify, letrsquo;s dissect the implications and motivations behind such sentiments:

Expulsion from the Party: Why would a party expel its leader and Prime Minister? Wouldn't this be counterproductive and damage the partyrsquo;s chances? Banning from Events: Would banning Johnson from events impact the partyrsquo;s unity or morale? Restrictions on Speech: Would limiting Johnsonrsquo;s public appearances alter the political discourse?

Boris Johnson: The Silver-Tongued Orator

Johnson is known for his articulate and amusing oratory skills. In the Conservative Party, few can match his wit, spontaneity, and eloquence. Even Corbynite supporters admit that Johnson is not ldquo;utterly dreary.rdquo;

Moreover, Johnson is intellectually superior to many of his contemporaries. He is quicker on his feet and better educated, making him a formidable candidate for leadership roles. His pugnacious nature and charm have endeared him to the masses, regardless of their party allegiance.

Challenging Leadership Qualities

While Johnson possesses considerable talents, some qualities are more important than wit alone. Many doubt his ability to navigate the complex landscape of party politics with finesse. Leadership isnrsquo;t just about charisma; it requires prudence, governance skills, and strategic foresight.

The recent Chequers Brexit meeting exemplifies his tendency to act impulsively. As Heseltine noted, Johnson can be a ldquo;loose cannon.rdquo; His impulsive nature sometimes leads to detrimental outcomes for the party.

The Legacy of Theresa May

When Theresa May assumed the PM role, Johnson initially faced a restricted role. She hoped he would ldquo;make a sufficiently large faux pasrdquo; that she could then remove him. Instead, he resigned after the Chequers meeting. This incident highlights his willingness to challenge authority, which can be both a strength and a weakness.

Some now view Johnson as a ldquo;traitorrdquo; to both the party and the country. His actions have often been seen as self-serving, prioritizing his personal ambitions over the collective good.

Conclusion

Whether one supports or opposes Boris Johnson, itrsquo;s clear that he plays a significant role in the Conservative Party. The term ldquo;keep him aroundrdquo; is a reflection of the partyrsquo;s recognition of his strengths and weaknesses. The question is whether these qualities align with the partyrsquo;s long-term goals.

For now, Johnson remains an integral part of the Tory Party. The real debate should focus on what the party aims to achieve and how Johnsonrsquo;s unique qualities can help or hinder those aims.