When Boris Johnson resigned as Britain’s prime minister last month, he stood outside 10 Downing Street to say his goodbyes, he also hinted at a possible return.
Referencing the Roman statesman Cincinnatus, who left power only to be called back to office when his people were in trouble.
“On the subject of bouncing around in future careers, let me say that I am now like one of those booster rockets that has fulfilled its function,” Mr Johnson said.
“I will now be gently re-entering the atmosphere and splashing down invisibly in some remote and obscure corner of the Pacific.
“Like Cincinnatus, I am returning to my plough and I will be offering this government nothing but the most fervent support.”
Even in his final speech to Parliament as the leader, he used one phrase that is a little closer to the current time than the dictator in 458 BC: “Hasta la vista, baby,” he said.
“Mission largely accomplished — for now.”
Within the British political system, comebacks are rare, but not unheard-of.
Sir Winston Churchill, whom Mr. Johnson has published a book about, staged a return as prime minister in 1951 despite being booted out of office following the 1945 election.
Harold Wilson also returned to the top job for the Conservatives in 1974 after losing his seat in 1970.
In the 1920’s, Labour Party Prime Minister Ramsay Macdonald made a comeback despite being forced from his seat in 1924, similar to Boris Johnson, and then remained in power from 192 to 1935.
Nadine Dorries, a loyal supporters and government minister in Mr Johnson’s administration, said that if the party did not pave the way for his return, it should call a general election.
“One person was elected by the British public with a manifesto and a mandate until January ’25,” she said on Twitter.
“If Liz Truss is no longer PM there can be no coronation of previously failed candidates.”
Members of Parliament, she said, “must demand return of @BorisJohnson.”
“If not is has to be a leadership election or a GE.”
