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Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson is a British politician and writer who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2019 to 2022.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Boris Johnson is a British politician and writer who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2019 to 2022. He also served as Mayor of London and as Foreign Secretary, and he has remained a prominent public figure in British politics since leaving office.

Early life and education

Boris Johnson was born on 19 June 1964 in New York City. He studied at Eton College and later at Balliol College, Oxford, where he was active in student politics.

Political career

Johnson served as Mayor of London from 2008 to 2016 and as Foreign Secretary from 2016 to 2018. He became leader of the Conservative Party and prime minister on 24 July 2019, leading the government through Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resignation and later activity

Johnson resigned as prime minister on 6 September 2022 after a period of political scandal and cabinet resignations. After leaving office, he remained active in public life, including speaking engagements and political commentary, and left the House of Commons in 2023.

Personal life

Johnson has been married multiple times and has children. His current spouse is Carrie Symonds, whom he married in May 2021.

Key facts

  • Boris Johnson was born on 19 June 1964 in New York City.
  • He became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on 24 July 2019 and served until 6 September 2022.
  • He was Mayor of London from 2008 to 2016 and Foreign Secretary from 2016 to 2018.
  • He resigned as prime minister in 2022 after a period of political scandal and cabinet resignations.
  • He married Carrie Symonds in May 2021.
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Canadian context

Johnson’s premiership affected Canada through UK foreign policy, Commonwealth ties, and coordinated responses to issues such as Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Boris Johnson?
Boris Johnson is a British politician and writer who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2019 to 2022.
How old is Boris Johnson?
He was born on 19 June 1964, so he is 62 years old.
What happened to Boris Johnson?
He resigned as prime minister in 2022 after a political crisis and cabinet resignations, and he later left the House of Commons in 2023.
Is Boris Johnson married?
Yes. He married Carrie Symonds in 2021.
When did Boris Johnson become prime minister?
He became prime minister on 24 July 2019.
What is Boris Johnson doing now?
He is no longer in government and has remained active in public life through speaking, writing, and commentary.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Boris-Johnson
    Supports: Birth date, background, premiership dates, and resignation context
  2. UK Government — https://www.gov.uk/government/people/boris-johnson
    Supports: Official dates in office and parliamentary/ministerial roles
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boris_Johnson
    Supports: Basic biography, offices held, and personal name
  4. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-59966249
    Supports: Marriage to Carrie Symonds and post-premiership activity
  5. The Museum of the Prime Ministers — https://www.museumofpm.org/prime-ministers/boris-johnson/
    Supports: Premiership dates, resignation, and major issues during tenure