Boris Johnson's Brexit tightrope

With a December election looming, the British prime minister can't afford to make one wrong step

Boris Johnson.
(Image credit: Illustrated | Charles McQuillan/Getty Images, Terriana/iStock, jessicahyde/iStock)

Everything seems to be falling into place for Boris Johnson. The polls show the Conservative prime minister way out in front in the U.K.'s upcoming December 12 election. His conviction is infectious, and "Get Brexit Done" — his core campaign message — is beguilingly simple. The opposition is divided, and may chip away at each other's vote share in key constituencies. On top of that, the Brexit Party recently unilaterally decided not to contest Conservative seats in the election. In other words, if voters want to throw their weight behind the Leave campaign, Johnson is their only choice.

The result of this election will determine the nation's future more than any for generations, but while Johnson seems on course for victory, his plan to achieve it requires an organization and discipline that he and his colleagues seem to lack. With less than four weeks to go before the nation votes, Johnson's victory is not a sure thing.

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William Gritten

William Gritten is a London-born, New York-based strategist and writer focusing on politics and international affairs.