Boris Johnson returns to UK amid rumors he wants to again be prime minister

The race to replace Liz Truss as British prime minister has a familiar contender in Boris Johnson.

Johnson returned to the United Kingdom on Saturday amid rumors he’s prepared to stage an audacious attempt to reclaim his post as premier. It comes just three months after he resigned as Britain’s political leader amid a series of scandals, including the flouting of his own COVID-19 regulations.

He remains a lightning rod, even among his fellow conservative lawmakers, though he did not hesitate to disrupt his vacation in the Dominican Republic to fly back to London.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said Saturday morning that it was “difficult to see” how Johnson could become prime minister again when he is “absorbed and distracted” by an ongoing inquiry into alleged parties at 10 Downing Street, the official prime minister residence. Last year, Johnson faced criticism for attending several government gatherings despite lockdowns triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

In January, Johnson apologized for joining hundreds of staffers at a “BYOB” garden party in May 2020, when Britons were still barred from gathering together in large groups to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The scandal was later dubbed “Partygate.”

More recently, the Brexit backer confessed he was aware of sexual harassment allegations raised against deputy chief whip Chris Pincher, but still gave him a job anyway. It sparked a slew of resignations from his staff and ultimately culminated in his own ouster.

Johnson does have the public backing of several other former Cabinet colleagues, including former Home Secretary Priti Patel.

“Boris has the mandate to deliver our elected manifesto and a proven track record getting the big decisions right,” Patel tweeted Saturday.

Johnson needs the backing of 100 lawmakers before 2 p.m. Monday to be on the ballot paper.

His successor, Liz Truss, on Thursday announced her resignation from the premiership after just 44 days in office. Her tenure in the nation’s top political spot marked the shortest ever in British history.

With News Wire Services