UK’s Boris Johnson says farewell, comparing himself to a Roman dictator and ‘booster rocket’
- Johnson bows out as UK prime minister, ending his tumultuous three years in office
- Reference to Cincinnatus, a Roman dictator, makes some believe in a Johnson return
In what was a typically bombastic speech, Britain’s outgoing prime minister pointedly took aim at those lawmakers in his Conservative Party he blames for forcing his resignation and, almost to prove them wrong, went on to list what he sees as his successes during his time as premier.
He also offered a tantalising reference for classics scholars, when he compared himself to Cincinnatus, a Roman dictator who, despite his old age, left his small farm to take control of the Roman state to fight an invasion in 16 days.
Cincinnatus returned to his farm, but legend has it he was recalled a second time to fend off another crisis, prompting some to wonder whether Johnson, 58, would try to stage a comeback.
“Let me say that I am now like one of those booster rockets that has fulfilled its function and I will now be gently re-entering the atmosphere and splashing down invisibly in some remote and obscure corner of the Pacific,” Johnson said in front of the door of Number 10 Downing Street.
“Like Cincinnatus, I am returning to my plough.”