Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson, commonly known as Boris Johnson, is a British politician, journalist, and writer born on June 19, 1964, in New York City to British parents. He served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and leader of the Conservative Party from 2019 to 2022. Johnson was a key advocate for Brexit, playing a pivotal role in the 2016 referendum campaign and leading the UK out of the European Union in 2020. His tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant events, including a landslide election victory in 2019 and various scandals, notably the Partygate controversy concerning lockdown breaches, which contributed to his resignation amid ethics probes in 2022.

Johnson's family background includes notable figures in politics and academia; his father, Stanley Johnson, was an environmentalist and Member of the European Parliament, and his great-grandfather was the Turkish journalist Ali Kemal. He spent much of his childhood moving between the UK and the US due to his father's work with the World Bank, attending primary schools in both countries before studying Classics at Balliol College, Oxford, where he was president of the Oxford Union.

Beginning his career in journalism, Johnson worked as a reporter for The Times and as Brussels correspondent for The Daily Telegraph, gaining a reputation for Eurosceptic and often controversial articles. He entered politics in 2001 as the Conservative MP for Henley until 2008, when he became Mayor of London, serving until 2016. As mayor, he oversaw the 2012 Olympics, promoted cycling initiatives such as the "Boris Bikes," and managed the city through post-financial crisis challenges. He returned to Parliament in 2015 as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip and was appointed Foreign Secretary under Theresa May in 2016, a tenure marked by gaffes and resignations related to Brexit disagreements.

Throughout his career, Johnson has been criticized for his populist style, alleged dishonesty, and handling of issues including the COVID-19 response and race relations. He has faced legal and ethical scrutiny over government contracts during the pandemic and his personal financial dealings. Despite controversies and criticism, his charisma and Brexit legacy maintain significant influence within the Conservative Party and among right-wing voters. In addition to his political career, Johnson has authored books on topics such as Winston Churchill and remains an influential figure in British politics.