What Happened to Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson?
Boris Johnson is a prominent British Conservative politician who served as Prime Minister from 2019 to 2022, leading the country through Brexit and the initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic. His premiership ended amidst a series of scandals, most notably 'Partygate', leading to his resignation as Prime Minister in July 2022 and as a Member of Parliament in June 2023, though he remains an active commentator on global affairs, particularly the war in Ukraine, as of early 2026.
Quick Answer
Boris Johnson, former UK Prime Minister, resigned from Parliament in June 2023 following a damning report by the Privileges Committee that found he deliberately misled MPs over 'Partygate' gatherings during COVID-19 lockdowns. Since then, he has engaged in public speaking, journalism, and published a memoir. As of early 2026, Johnson remains a vocal figure, advocating for stronger Western support for Ukraine, including the deployment of non-combat troops, and recently commented on the Prince Andrew scandal.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in New York City
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson was born in New York City, holding dual British and American citizenship until 2016.
Elected Mayor of London
Johnson was elected as the second Mayor of London, serving two terms until May 2016.
Leads 'Leave' campaign in Brexit referendum
As a prominent figure, Johnson successfully campaigned for the UK to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum.
Becomes Prime Minister
Johnson became Prime Minister after winning the Conservative Party leadership election, succeeding Theresa May.
Oversees UK's departure from EU
The United Kingdom formally left the European Union under Johnson's leadership, fulfilling his key election promise.
Fined for 'Partygate' breaches
Johnson received a fixed penalty notice from the Metropolitan Police for breaching COVID-19 lockdown rules at Downing Street gatherings.
Announces resignation as Prime Minister
Following a series of resignations from his government and mounting pressure over various scandals, Johnson announced his intention to step down as Prime Minister.
Resigns as Member of Parliament
Johnson resigned as an MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip after receiving a draft of the Privileges Committee report into 'Partygate', which he called a 'kangaroo court'.
Privileges Committee report published
The committee's final report concluded that Johnson deliberately misled Parliament over 'Partygate' and recommended a 90-day suspension had he remained an MP.
Publishes memoir 'Unleashed'
His memoir, 'Unleashed', chronicling his time in office, was released to mixed reviews.
Criticizes Trump's Ukraine peace proposals
Johnson publicly criticized Donald Trump's proposed peace plan for Ukraine, stating it would leave Ukraine with 'nothing'.
Accused of profiting from contacts
The Guardian reported accusations that Johnson was profiting from contacts and influence gained in office, potentially breaching ethics rules.
Calls for non-combat troops in Ukraine
Johnson urged the UK and European allies to immediately deploy non-combat troops to Ukraine to demonstrate commitment against Russian aggression.
Speaks at Victor Pinchuk Foundation meeting
Johnson stated at a YES meeting that Europe and the West are not doing enough for Ukraine's complete victory and are dependent on the US.
Comments on Prince Andrew scandal
Johnson weighed in on the scandal surrounding Prince Andrew, controversially claiming he had 'done his country a service'.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Boris Johnson's political career, marked by a distinctive public persona and a series of high-profile roles, culminated in his premiership from July 2019 to September 2022. Having previously served as Mayor of London (2008-2016) and Foreign Secretary (2016-2018), he rose to power on the promise of 'getting Brexit done' following his leading role in the 2016 EU referendum 'Leave' campaign. His government oversaw the UK's formal departure from the European Union in January 2020 and initiated a rapid COVID-19 vaccination program.
However, his tenure was increasingly overshadowed by the 'Partygate' scandal, involving numerous gatherings held at 10 Downing Street during national COVID-19 lockdowns. Investigations by the Metropolitan Police resulted in fixed penalty notices for Johnson, his wife, and then-Chancellor Rishi Sunak in April 2022. A subsequent report by senior civil servant Sue Gray detailed a culture of excessive drinking and a lack of respect for rules within Downing Street.
The scandal intensified with a parliamentary inquiry by the Privileges Committee into whether Johnson knowingly misled the House of Commons about these events. In June 2023, after receiving a draft of the committee's report, Johnson abruptly resigned as an MP, accusing the committee of conducting a 'kangaroo court' and a 'witch-hunt'. The committee's final report, published shortly after, concluded that Johnson had deliberately and repeatedly misled Parliament, a contempt of Parliament, and would have recommended a 90-day suspension had he not resigned. The House of Commons subsequently voted to accept the report's findings, including the removal of his parliamentary access pass.
Since his departure from frontline politics, Johnson has remained in the public eye. He has pursued a lucrative career on the speaking circuit, reportedly earning millions from speeches globally. His memoir, 'Unleashed', was published in October 2024. He has also continued his involvement in journalism, writing a column for the Daily Mail, and was announced as a presenter for GB News, though his formal role there remains unclear as of late 2025.
As of early 2026, Johnson continues to be a vocal commentator on international affairs, particularly the war in Ukraine. In February 2026, he called for the immediate deployment of non-combat troops from the UK and its European allies to Ukraine to demonstrate unwavering Western commitment, a proposal that would mark a significant policy shift. He also expressed strong criticism of Donald Trump's proposed Ukraine peace plan in April 2025, arguing it would leave Ukraine with 'nothing'. More recently, in February 2026, he weighed in on the scandal surrounding Prince Andrew, claiming the former Prince had 'done his country a service'. Johnson has also faced accusations in September 2025 of potentially breaching ethics and lobbying rules by profiting from contacts made while in office.