Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced his entry into the world of media by joining GB News. This move will see Johnson take on multiple roles, including that of a presenter, program maker, and commentator.
Boris Johnson, a well-known figure in British politics, is set to play a role in covering the forthcoming UK and US elections, offering viewers his insights and commentary on these pivotal events. Additionally, he will host a series dedicated to showcasing the power and influence of Britain on the international stage, aligning with his vision for “Global Britain.”
One of the standout promises made by Johnson is to provide “unvarnished” views on a wide range of topics. This commitment to offering candid opinions is sure to pique the interest of viewers who have closely followed his political journey.
This move to GB News also underscores Johnson’s continued presence in the media landscape, as he has been a regular columnist for the Daily Mail. By expanding his media involvement, he will have the opportunity to engage with a broader audience.
Johnson joins a growing list of Conservative politicians who have taken up roles at GB News, including Jacob Rees-Mogg, Lee Anderson, Esther McVey, and Philip Davies.
In a video shared on social media, Boris Johnson expressed his excitement about this new venture and outlined his plans to offer insights on global issues. He mentioned that he would delve into topics such as Russia, China, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and other pressing global challenges.
Johnson resigned as Prime Minister in 2022 amid a revolt by ministers and also stepped down as a Member of Parliament for Uxbridge and South Ruislip following allegations of misleading the House of Commons over Covid breaches in Downing Street during lockdown.
His actions while in office during the pandemic are currently under investigation as part of the ongoing Covid inquiry. However, his approach to the independent Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba) about his role at GB News received a relatively positive response. Acoba expressed no significant concerns about this role regarding government rules.
The committee imposed certain conditions on Johnson’s new role, including refraining from using privileged information from his time in office and avoiding personal lobbying of the government on behalf of GB News for two years after stepping down as Prime Minister. This is in line with Acoba’s efforts to ensure the ethical transition of former ministers into the private sector.
Acoba found that Johnson had violated the ministerial code by not seeking clearance for his job with the Daily Mail, emphasising the importance of adhering to the rules governing post-political roles for former government officials.
Boris Johnson’s entry into the realm of media comes on the heels of a highly lucrative post-political career. In the five months following his resignation as Prime Minister, Johnson pocketed £4.8 million. The majority of this was attributed to speaking engagements at various events and securing a lucrative book deal for his upcoming memoir.