Boris Johnson: "They Were Looking at Engineering the Virus” & “The Government Tried To Bribe Me!"

In this extensive conversation, Boris Johnson reflects on his extraordinary political career and the personal circumstances that shaped him. The discussion begins with his early years, exploring formative experiences including glue ear that affected his hearing and the significant mental health challenges his mother faced, leading to her hospitalization in a psychiatric ward. Johnson reveals how these early experiences influenced his development and worldview, providing context for understanding his later public persona.

The conversation then shifts to his political journey, starting with his unexpected success in winning the London mayorship and his rise through Conservative politics. A major focus is his role in the Brexit referendum, where Johnson reveals surprising details about his actual beliefs. He discloses that he wrote a secret pro-Remain letter while publicly campaigning for Leave, and he admits to having no concrete plan for what would happen after a Brexit victory. This contradiction raises questions about his decision-making process and the gap between his public positioning and private convictions.

Johnson provides extensive commentary on his time as Prime Minister during unprecedented crises. He discusses when he first learned about COVID-19, his communications with President Trump, and his controversial decisions regarding lockdowns and the tiering system. He expresses skepticism about whether the lockdowns ultimately justified their costs, touching on mental health impacts and economic consequences. The Prime Minister also discusses the personal toll these decisions took on him, including how his mother's death during the pandemic affected his emotional state and leadership.

The episode addresses the PartyGate scandal extensively, exploring how government gatherings during lockdowns became a significant controversy that damaged public trust. Johnson reflects on the political consequences and the pressure he faced during this period.

Throughout the conversation, Johnson discusses broader themes about British politics, class systems, and whether the Conservative government did enough to level regional inequality. He explores how political careers are built, emphasizing the importance of relationships and connections in advancing professionally in politics. He candidly addresses the psychological demands of high-level political office and the public scrutiny that comes with such positions.

The episode concludes with Johnson discussing his personal life, including his multiple marriages and children, as well as his reflections on what the future holds. His discussion of Charlotte Owen and family matters provides insight into how personal relationships intersect with public responsibility.