Boris Johnson: A Leader Avoiding Hard Decisions Amid Second Wave and Brexit

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has been running a politically fraught ship. With the nation facing a new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing complexities of Brexit, Johnson finds himself at the heart of several controversial and indecisive actions. This article aims to explain exactly what Boris Johnson is up to, examining his leadership style and the underlying reasons for his strategic and tactical decisions.

Current Political and Social Context

The current political and social context in the UK is one of significant uncertainty and challenge. The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, with its potentially more deadly characteristics than the first wave, has placed pressure on the government to enforce stricter measures. Meanwhile, Brexit negotiations continue to be a source of tension, with the potential for a no-deal exit looming.

Avoiding Hard Decisions

Boris Johnson is known for his indecisive approach to governance, often choosing to avoid hard decisions that could upset his constituents. This pattern is evident in several recent developments:

1. Disregarding Sage Group Recommendations

One of the most notable instances is his reluctance to implement the recommendations from the SAGE group. The SAGE group had recommended a two to three week 'circuit breaker' lockdown since late September, yet Johnson delayed this decision. Instead, he opted for tiered regional restrictions that could drag on for weeks, a move that has drawn criticism from public health experts and local leaders.

2. Compromising on Free School Meals

Johnson is also avoiding making a U-turn on providing free school meals to children at risk of hunger during the half-term holiday. Despite being forced into several U-turns in recent months, Johnson continues to avoid any decision that could alienate him from the public. This decision-making style reflects his focus on maintaining popularity rather than making necessary, unpopular but crucial decisions.

3. Procrastination on a New Trade Deal with the EU

In the realm of Brexit negotiations, Johnson is delaying a definitive agreement with the European Union. The reason? He knows that any decision will result in anger, whether a deal or no deal. By waiting, he hopes to extend the time before the backlash is felt, thus minimizing his exposure to negative reactions from both supporters and opponents of Brexit.

Personal and Political Implications

Boris Johnson's indecisiveness has both personal and political consequences:

Personal Implications: Johnson's popularity with the electorate played a significant role in his 2019 election victories. However, his inability to effectively address the pandemic and Brexit has hampered his ability to maintain that popularity. This has led to a decline in his approval rating, largely due to his inaction on critical issues.

Political Implications: Johnson's reluctance to take decisive action could affect his political legacy and the UK's international standing. A leader who is seen as indecisive may struggle to maintain unity and effectiveness in times of crisis, such as the ongoing pandemic and Brexit negotiations.

Conclusion

From avoiding hard decisions on lockdown measures to delays in trade deals, Boris Johnson's leadership style is characterized by a preference for risk management over bold, decisive action. This approach, while potentially popular in the short term, may prove detrimental in the long run, especially in the face of significant global challenges.