IN his final speech as Prime Minister, Boris Johnson hinted at a possible return when he alluded to a Roman politician.
Although he pledged loyalty to incoming PM Liz Truss, Johnson’s reference to fifth-century BC politician Cincinnatus could suggest he’s not finished yet.
Johnson said: “Let me say that I’m like one of those booster rockets that has fulfilled its function.
“And 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.”
Who is Cincinnatus?
Cincinnatus was a fifth-century BC Roman politician, who came out of retirement when Rome came under threat from military invasion.
He became the leader, successfully defended Rome by defeating the enemy and then returned to his farm, all within 15 days.
Speaking on Radio 4’s Today programme, classicist Mary Beard said: “He’s [Cincinnatus] often treated as an absolute hero.
“The man who comes in, saves the state, but doesn’t take the power for himself long term, but goes back to his plough.
“But it wasn’t quite so simple. Because one thing you need to know about Cincinnatus is that he was absolutely resolutely anti-populist.
“He completely opposed the rights of the poor and the unprivileged in Rome. He was, in our terms, extremely right wing.”
Beard continued to say that Johnson’s comments were “a risky analogy”.
She added: “There is also an even worse sting in the tail, in that there’s another story, which says after he saves Rome, and a decade or so later, he does come back to power again, very briefly.
“Why does he come back to power? To suppress a popular uprising by the underprivileged.”
What is the implication?
It remains to be seen what Boris Johnson’s plans are once he officially resigns to the Queen later today.
Those closest to Johnson hold the belief that he may be plotting a return to frontline politics in spite of pledging his “fervent support” to Truss.
Many also reacted to Johnson’s comments on Twitter. Political editor of The Guardian Pippa Crerar said: “As a long-term Boris Johnson watcher, that felt to me like departing PM believes he’ll get another tilt at top job.
As a long-term Boris Johnson watcher, that felt to me like departing PM believes he’ll get another tilt at top job. For years, this Classics scholar has cited Cincinnatus, who didn’t just leave for his farm (today’s reference), but also then when call came returned to Rome.
— Pippa Crerar (@PippaCrerar) September 6, 2022
"For years, this Classics scholar has cited Cincinnatus, who didn’t just leave for his farm (today’s reference), but also then when call came returned to Rome.
The Thick of It creator Armando Ianucci also posted on social media. He said: “Johnson expects to be called back.
"Cincinnatus was recalled from his [plough] to become leader of Rome a second time. Someone tell the people with microphones at Downing Street."
