He was the down to earth unusual Mayor. Criticized by many, and equally liked. He presided over transport, and particularly had a strong affinity for cycling.

He enjoyed the privilege of being a spokesman for and ambassador of London, a city appointed under his charge, one he kept elevated during the 2012 Olympics under the glare of the international spotlight.  The often referred to London as a wonderful City, whose diversity and multi cultural-ism he was very proud of. I met him twice- first at a boxing charity do in Barbican around 2008, then this year at Crystal palace when after Question time I was honored to share his company all the way to the tube station.

CONFIDENT

A quietly confident and articulate man, Johnson has his wits about him and projects no arrogance in his demeanor. He seems rather modest but clear about what he wants, a position that put him sharply at odds with Prime Minister, David Cameron over The EU debate.  His detractors accused him of plotting for Cameron’s job by identifying with the brexit campaign to leave the EU, though this could have been his genuine position no matter how compelling and beneficial the perceived arguments for staying in.

Politicians and MP’s have different takes on this critically important issue, the eventual direction of which will have a lasting effect on the future of Europe and its relationship with the global world, in particular, the United States. Retaining the Sovereignty of Britain without interruption from EU judges, has formed the pillar of his argument to stay, so that British judges can have the final say on matters of Immigration, deportation, or any other issue.

LOATHES

He vocally loathes  the overriding power of Brussels in eroding the verdicts of domestic judges, and asserts that it is not an issue of immigration at all, but a question of principle on not compromising on the issue of Sovereignty.

” I am of immigrant myself, he told me when I met him , I am proud of the diversity and multiculturalism of this wonderful City, he stated in a fast paced enthusiastic tone. But this country must not give up its Sovereignty to Europe”.

GENUINE

His stance is one that can be genuinely held. The one curious worry  is the way he dismisses expert warnings of an economic shock expected to result if we leave, as ‘scare mongering,  saying that Britain as the fourth biggest economy will have no problem trading with other countries. Yet, his strong defense may be that some people see things that others can’t. Official warnings should be taking seriously, but the the patriotic yearn to have a level of independence at costs cannot be justifiably crucified.

It is a position held, and one that pays off with respect to the objectives desired.

How the rest of the jigsaw fits in will then be the lesson and reality of the political process which will define and shape history. Johnson  took a strident step in opposing Cameron on a hot issue towards which Britain is leaning more out than in, giving Johnson what many see as a  gathering momentum for NO.10. Johnson  either modestly or honestly insists there is no correlation between winning the debate on th EU and the likelihood of becoming Prime Minister

CONVICTION

In time, all will be known, and whether right or wrong, the conviction that Britain should be wholly independent in its Sovereignty will always take precedence over any other argument in the eyes of those who are resolute on this matter. Adapting to whatever results is the underlying ideology behind this thinking, one that is inevitably at odds with any potential shock that may result if they turn out to be wrong on this Crucial issue.

FUTURE

Projections for the future in light of what transpires after the EU in our out, will always be kind of subjective. Only in hindsight will we know for certain who is right. The views of experts are always the safe bet though,  but experts are fallible which is why the ongoing debate will be entertaining throughout.

At the end of the climax, the preparation and voting process will lead us to the reality and eventual outcome  of whether we stay in or out.