Boris Johnson joining GB News to offer ‘unvarnished’ views

By Dominic McGrath, PA Political Staff

Boris Johnson has found his latest post-prime ministerial employment, with the former Tory leader set to join GB News.

He is the latest Conservative politician to find a place at the broadcaster, and in a video announcing his arrival the former MP said he would be giving his “unvarnished views” on a range of topics.

Mr Johnson, who also writes a column for the Daily Mail, said: “I am excited to say that I am shortly going to be joining you on GB News.

We’re delighted to announce some very exciting news…https://t.co/BRg8ZgTy1X pic.twitter.com/FD0wz0Urkt

— GB News (@GBNEWS) October 27, 2023

“I’m going to be giving this remarkable new TV channel my unvarnished views on everything from Russia, China, the war in Ukraine, how we meet all those challenges, to the huge opportunities that lie ahead for us, why I believe our best days are yet to come.

“And why on the whole the people of the world want to see more global Britain, not less.”

Mr Johnson resigned as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip in June in protest at the sanction recommended by the Privileges Committee after it found he lied to the Commons over partygate.

He quit as British prime minister in 2022, following a mass revolt by ministers over his leadership.

He now joins a number of former Tory colleagues including close ally Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg and current Conservative deputy chairman Lee Anderson at the channel.

Former pensions minister Esther McVey and backbencher Philip Davies are also presenters.

The channel said that he would be joining as a “presenter, programme maker and commentator”, adding Mr Johnson would be playing a “key role” in the coverage of both the upcoming UK and US elections.

Mr Johnson has earned millions of pounds since leaving office, mostly for speaking fees but also for his upcoming memoirs.

The decision to join GB News is a coup for the TV channel, while also giving Mr Johnson a new platform to air his views and opinions.

He has made recurring interventions since leaving office on the war in Ukraine, repeatedly urging Western leaders to go further in offering support to Kyiv in its fight against Russia.

Mr Johnson sought advice from Whitehall’s appointments watchdog before taking up the job.

The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments said it did not have any “particular concerns” about the role.