Culture | “Unleashed” and mildly unhinged

Boris Johnson shows how not to write a political memoir

His new book is full of revelations, but none of the sort readers actually want

Mayor of London Boris Johnson listens to speeches during a remembrance service at City Hall in London, United Kingdom on November 6th 2015
A wild bore?Photograph: Getty Images

It was 2008, during the global financial crisis. Boris Johnson was mayor of London. The political situation was tense; scrutiny was intensifying. Or, as Mr Johnson puts it in his memoir, “POW POW POW!”—first some people criticised his team. Then “BIFF!” the press were mean. Then “SOCKO!” a civil servant left him. Then “DOOOF!” a deputy mayor did. Then “THUDDEROO...” You get the idea.

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This article appeared in the Culture section of the print edition under the headline ““Unleashed”—and mildly unhinged ”

From the October 12th 2024 edition

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