Is Boris Johnson a Thatcherite?

The comparison of Boris Johnson's political ideology with Margaret Thatcher's reign has often been a subject of debate and discussion. While there are certainly some parallels between the two, the complexity of Johnson's governance and leadership style suggests that the term 'Thatcherite' may not fully capture his political identity.

Economic Policies

Thatcherism is known for its unwavering commitment to free-market policies, deregulation, and a reduction in the power of trade unions. Boris Johnson, on the other hand, has promoted similar economic policies, such as tax cuts and a focus on economic growth. However, his approach includes some interventionist measures, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, Johnson's government introduced stimulus packages and implemented various economic measures to support businesses and the economy.

While Johnson and Thatcher share a common ground on economic issues, Johnson's interventionist measures during crises demonstrate a willingness to take more active roles in the economy, a stark contrast to Thatcher's more hands-off approach.

Nationalism and Conservatism

Another aspect that distinguishes Johnson from Thatcher is their approach to nationalism and conservatism. Thatcher's brand of conservatism was more globally oriented, emphasizing free trade. In contrast, Johnson's nationalism is more populist, with a strong emphasis on British sovereignty and support for Brexit. This populist nationalism is more about appealing to the general public and less about the broader international context.

Thatcher’s strong advocacy for British sovereignty was part of a larger focus on free trade within a global context. Johnson's approach, however, is more about making Britain great again and less about global trade agreements and cooperation. This difference in emphasis reflects different ideological priorities.

Social Issues

On social issues, Thatcher’s government was known for its socially conservative stance. Johnson, however, has taken a more flexible and pragmatic approach. For example, while Thatcher was staunchly against the legalization of abortion, Johnson initially supported it in some cases, reflecting changing public attitudes.

This flexibility in social issues shows that Johnson's political philosophy is not as rigidly defined as Thatcher's, allowing him to adapt to evolving public opinion.

Leadership Style

The leadership styles of Boris Johnson and Margaret Thatcher are remarkably different. Thatcher was known for her disciplined and serious approach, while Johnson is often characterized as charismatic and theatrical. This contrast in leadership styles is a significant factor in how they are perceived by the public and the media.

Johnson's leadership is driven by personal glory and self-interest, often at the expense of cohesive and strategic decision-making. His frequent focus on his own image and the associated controversies reflect a more populist and individualistic style of leadership, which is in stark contrast to Thatcher's more disciplined approach.

Ultimately, while Boris Johnson shares some ideological similarities with Thatcher, particularly in economic terms, his populist approach and the context of his leadership make him a distinct figure within the Conservative Party. Thus, labeling him strictly as a Thatcherite may not fully capture the complexity of his political identity.

Conclusion

Thus, the concept of 'Johnsonite' seems more applicable than 'Thatcherite' when describing Boris Johnson's political ideology. While some elements of Thatcherism are present in Johnson's policies, the overall framework and the specific ways in which he implements policies and interacts with the public differ significantly from Thatcher's approach.

In summary, while Boris Johnson and Margaret Thatcher share some ideological similarities, particularly in economic policies, the differences in their approach to nationalism, social issues, and leadership styles make them distinct figures in the Conservative Party. The term 'Johnsonite' better encapsulates the complexity of his political identity.