Boris Johnson Quits Tory Leadership Race

by Stephen Lendman

On June 30, former London mayor Boris Johnson, Tory frontrunner to succeed David Cameron, dropped out of the race, the latest surprise in the ongoing Brexit saga.

Was it voluntary or was he pushed, pressured by US and EU power brokers, wanting an anti-Brexiteer or weak-kneed supporter - easily swayed to go the other way once becoming Tory leader?

Media gathered to hear what was expected to be a leadership campaign launching address were surprised, Johnson saying "having consulted colleagues and in view of the circumstances in parliament, I have concluded that (the new prime minister) cannot be me."

"My role will be to give every possible support to the next Conservative administration to make sure that we properly fulfill the mandate of the people that was delivered at the referendum and to champion the agenda that I believe in, to stick up for the forgotten people of this country."

"And, if we do so, if we invest in our children and improve their life chances, if we continue to fuel the engines of social mobility, if we build on the great reforming legacy of David Cameron, if we invest in our infrastructure and we follow a sensible, one nation Conservative approach that is simultaneously tax-cutting and pro-enterprise, then I believe that this country can win and be better and more wonderful and, yes, greater than ever before."

Johnson supports neoliberal harshness. So will Cameron's successor. After saying he backed Johnson's bid, MP Michael Gove entered the race, saying London's former mayor lacks leadership skills, promising "a new approach to running this country."

Isn't that what they all say, lofty rhetoric forgotten straightaway once entering office. On Friday, Home Secretary Theresa May announced her candidacy to succeed Cameron.

"Our country needs strong proven leadership to steer us through this period of political and economic uncertainty," she said. "We need leadership that can unite our party and our country."

She ruled out a second referendum. So did Cameron. "Brexit means Brexit," she added. "The campaign was fought. The vote was held. Turnout was high, and the public gave their verdict." 

Instead of supporting it straightaway, she equivocated, a clear red flag, saying Lisbon Treaty Article 50, beginning separation proceedings legally, "should not be invoked before the end of the year."

Six months is a lifetime. A new US president-elect will be known. Lots of time between now and then can be used for shenanigans, manipulating public sentiment - diverting attention from separation, creating a fictitious threat, enlisting support for unity to confront it.

Confrontation with Russia or China would serve the same purpose. So would manufactured economic and financial turmoil - roiling markets, creating angst, convincing people unity is the way to smooth things.

It remains to be seen who'll become new Tory prime minister. It'll be a candidate US and EU monied interests support, someone against Brexit, regardless of what's said publicly - able to enlist majority voter support for unity, not separation.

Watch for something like this to unfold ahead. The key point is power brokers on both sides of the Atlantic won't let Brexit happen. They'll find a way to assure it and get most Brits to go along.

Ignore political rhetoric at all times. Follow events as they unfold.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. 

His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III."

http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html

Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com. 

Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network.