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Boris v Jo Johnson: the new sibling rivalry in British politics Boris v Jo Johnson: the new sibling rivalry in British politics
(5 months later)
The appointment of Jo Johnson as head of No 10's policy unit does not, at first glance, address a pressing demographic need. It's not as if anyone had complained of a dire shortage of Johnsons in the public eye, or of Old Etonians in the cabinet. But it does provide something we've been missing these last few weeks: rival siblings at the top of British politics – BoJo v JoJo.The appointment of Jo Johnson as head of No 10's policy unit does not, at first glance, address a pressing demographic need. It's not as if anyone had complained of a dire shortage of Johnsons in the public eye, or of Old Etonians in the cabinet. But it does provide something we've been missing these last few weeks: rival siblings at the top of British politics – BoJo v JoJo.
David Miliband's decision to stand down as an MP and move to New York brought an end to speculation – largely idle by that point – that he and Ed might one day reprise their battle for the heart and soul of the Labour party. But the appointment of Boris Johnson's little brother to a ministerial position sets up the possibility of a similar collision course. One of the most galling things for an older sibling to endure is precociousness in a younger one, especially in a competitive family. It would be bad enough for Boris if Jo were to ride on a zipwire and make it all the way to the end. If Jo were to beat Boris to the highest office in the land, how would BoJo cope?David Miliband's decision to stand down as an MP and move to New York brought an end to speculation – largely idle by that point – that he and Ed might one day reprise their battle for the heart and soul of the Labour party. But the appointment of Boris Johnson's little brother to a ministerial position sets up the possibility of a similar collision course. One of the most galling things for an older sibling to endure is precociousness in a younger one, especially in a competitive family. It would be bad enough for Boris if Jo were to ride on a zipwire and make it all the way to the end. If Jo were to beat Boris to the highest office in the land, how would BoJo cope?
Sibling rivalry remains a rare thing in politics; partnership is more common. Think of John and Robert Kennedy, or of Lech and Jaroslav Kaczynski, the identical twins who served as prime minister and president of Poland together in 2006 and 2007. Though leader of his party, Jaroslav refused the premiership so as not to jeopardise Lech's presidential campaign. After he won, Lech appointed his brother as PM, despite a campaign promise not to do so. It's unlikely such nepotism could ever exist in British politics. It requires too much trust.Sibling rivalry remains a rare thing in politics; partnership is more common. Think of John and Robert Kennedy, or of Lech and Jaroslav Kaczynski, the identical twins who served as prime minister and president of Poland together in 2006 and 2007. Though leader of his party, Jaroslav refused the premiership so as not to jeopardise Lech's presidential campaign. After he won, Lech appointed his brother as PM, despite a campaign promise not to do so. It's unlikely such nepotism could ever exist in British politics. It requires too much trust.
The best thing about the future Johnson rivalry is its unpredictability: it could play out any number of ways. Boris has never been shy about clashing with Cameron – over Heathrow expansion, the eurozone crisis, benefit cuts – and it is surely only a matter of time before he criticises a policy that can be attributed to his brother's unit. Jo was brought in specifically to patch things up between Cameron and backbench MPs. Boris, meanwhile, is often tipped as a potential alternative to Cameron, one who could reunite the Tories. Under these circumstances, the fortunes of one brother would act as a counterweight to the ambitions of the other. Sibling rivalry can only enhance the competition that already exists between the mayor of London and the PM. And if Boris mounts an oft-rumoured leadership challenge, Jo might be bribed with promotion to remain loyal to Cameron. Or Boris might subsequently lead his party into the wilderness, prompting Jo to stand against him as the acceptable face of Johnsonism. A deal between the brothers, akin to the one struck by Blair and Brown, could go horribly wrong. Or worse, it could go horribly right.The best thing about the future Johnson rivalry is its unpredictability: it could play out any number of ways. Boris has never been shy about clashing with Cameron – over Heathrow expansion, the eurozone crisis, benefit cuts – and it is surely only a matter of time before he criticises a policy that can be attributed to his brother's unit. Jo was brought in specifically to patch things up between Cameron and backbench MPs. Boris, meanwhile, is often tipped as a potential alternative to Cameron, one who could reunite the Tories. Under these circumstances, the fortunes of one brother would act as a counterweight to the ambitions of the other. Sibling rivalry can only enhance the competition that already exists between the mayor of London and the PM. And if Boris mounts an oft-rumoured leadership challenge, Jo might be bribed with promotion to remain loyal to Cameron. Or Boris might subsequently lead his party into the wilderness, prompting Jo to stand against him as the acceptable face of Johnsonism. A deal between the brothers, akin to the one struck by Blair and Brown, could go horribly wrong. Or worse, it could go horribly right.
Although it's early days, it's not impossible to imagine a fight for the Tory leadership between the two Johnsons. As with the Milibands, it's tempting to think of the one who gets to move to New York as the real winner.Although it's early days, it's not impossible to imagine a fight for the Tory leadership between the two Johnsons. As with the Milibands, it's tempting to think of the one who gets to move to New York as the real winner.
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