But the long divorce feels far from “done.” Relations with the EU have soured amid unresolved disputes over trade rules for Northern Ireland.
He led the Conservatives to a huge election victory in 2019 and took Britain out of the EU the following year. When wrangling in Parliament over the departure terms brought down Prime Minister Theresa May three years later, Johnson succeeded her with a vow to “get Brexit done.” He had a popular appeal that no other campaigner could match. Johnson’s backing for the “leave” campaign in Britain’s 2016 referendum on EU membership was vital to its victory. “You can’t take that away from him - it’s just a question of whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing.”
“The one certain thing you can say is that his legacy is Brexit,” said Steven Fielding, professor of political history at the University of Nottingham. He bears much of the credit, or blame, for Britain’s departure from the EU, a momentous decision whose consequences will play out for years. Johnson cultivated a buffoonish public image, but he has had a serious impact on his country. “I’m pretty sure Johnson does too, but I doubt he’ll find it’s as kind to him as it was to his hero.” “Winston Churchill said that ‘History will be kind to me for I intend to write it,’” said Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London. Many political historians take a harsher view. During his final appearance in Parliament as prime minister in July, he summed up his three years in office as: “Mission largely accomplished.” Johnson led Britain out of the European Union and won a landslide election victory before his government collapsed in a heap of ethics scandals. The debate over what mark he left on his party, his country and the world will linger long after he departs in September - if, indeed, he really is gone for good. LONDON (AP) - The moving vans have already started arriving at Downing Street as Britain’s Conservative Party prepares to evict Prime Minister Boris Johnson.