Brexit Champion Says He’ll Run for Parliament, Jolting U.K. Election
Boris Johnson, the former foreign secretary who has been a leading advocate for Britain leaving the European Union, said on Monday that he would run for Parliament in a by-election in a northern English constituency, a move that could complicate the political landscape in the country.
Mr. Johnson, who was forced to resign from Prime Minister Theresa May’s cabinet in July over her Brexit strategy, said he would run in the seat of Uxbridge and South Ruislip, which he held for the Conservative Party from 2015 to 2018.
“I am going to be standing in the by-election in Uxbridge,” Mr. Johnson said in a video posted on Twitter. “I think it’s time to give the people of Uxbridge and South Ruislip a voice in Parliament.”
The by-election was called after the sitting member, the Conservative MP John Randall, announced his retirement.
Mr. Johnson’s decision to run for Parliament could have significant implications for the political landscape in Britain. He is a divisive figure, and his return to Parliament could further complicate the Brexit debate, which has been deadlocked for months.
Mrs. May’s government has been struggling to get its Brexit deal through Parliament, and the prime minister has been unable to secure a majority for the deal in three votes.
Mr. Johnson has been a vocal critic of Mrs. May’s Brexit strategy, and his return to Parliament could further undermine her authority.
Mr. Johnson’s decision to run for Parliament could also complicate the Conservative Party’s efforts to unite behind a single Brexit strategy.
The Conservative Party is deeply divided over Brexit, with some members advocating for a softer Brexit, while others, like Mr. Johnson, are pushing for a hard Brexit.
Mr. Johnson’s return to Parliament could also complicate the Labour Party’s efforts to win the support of pro-Brexit voters.
The Labour Party, which is currently leading in the polls, has been struggling to win the support of pro-Brexit voters, who make up a significant portion of the electorate.