Boris Johnson – Biography, Net Worth, Books and Resignation

Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, remains one of the most recognisable and divisive figures in modern British politics. From his early days as a journalist in Brussels to his tenure at 10 Downing Street during Brexit and the pandemic, his career has been defined by high ambition, sharp rhetoric, and repeated controversy. This article provides a clear, fact-based overview of his biography, family, net worth, books, and the key events that shaped his time in office.

Born Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson in New York City on 19 June 1964, he grew up in a family with deep political and literary roots. His father, Stanley Johnson, was a Member of the European Parliament and an author; his mother, Charlotte Johnson Wahl, was a notable painter. Johnson attended Eton College and went on to study Classics at Balliol College, Oxford, where he served as president of the Oxford Union. These early experiences shaped the confident, often controversial public persona that would later dominate British politics.

Johnson served as Prime Minister from 24 July 2019 to 6 September 2022, a period that included the final stages of Brexit negotiations, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a series of ethical scandals that ultimately led to his resignation. His political career also includes two terms as Mayor of London (2008–2016) and a stint as Foreign Secretary (2016–2018). Post-resignation, he has focused on writing memoirs and international speaking engagements, remaining a polarising figure in public life.

Who is Boris Johnson?

• Brexit Architect: Johnson was a leading figure in the Vote Leave campaign and later completed the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.
• COVID-19 Leadership: He led the UK through the pandemic, contracted the virus himself, and oversaw one of the world’s fastest vaccine rollouts.
• Partygate Scandal: His tenure was overshadowed by revelations of lockdown rule breaches in Downing Street, which led to fines and a parliamentary investigation.
• Resignation: He resigned as Prime Minister in July 2022 after a wave of cabinet resignations and mounting political pressure.
• Post-PM Career: Since leaving office, he has published a memoir, written columns for the Daily Mail, and taken on paid speaking engagements.

How Old is Boris Johnson? And What is His Background?

Age and Place of Birth

Boris Johnson was born on 19 June 1964 in New York City, making him 61 years old as of mid-2025. He was born a US citizen by virtue of his birth on American soil, and he held dual US-UK citizenship until 2016, when he renounced his US passport.

Ethnicity and Ancestry

Johnson describes his background as a “one-man melting pot,” according to the BBC. His ancestry includes Turkish, French, and German roots on his father’s side, and through his mother, he has reported Jewish ancestry with family origins in Lithuania and Russia. The most accurate summary of his ethnicity is mixed European heritage, with strands connecting him to Turkey, France, Germany, and Eastern Europe.

Religion

Johnson was baptised as a Catholic and later confirmed as an Anglican as a teenager, according to CNN. Most biographical sources describe him as belonging to the Church of England, though he has not made faith a central part of his public identity.

Educational Background

He attended Eton College, one of the UK’s most prestigious private schools, and later studied Classics at Balliol College, Oxford, graduating with a BA. During his time at Oxford, he served as secretary and then president of the Oxford Union, the university’s famous debating society.

Who is Boris Johnson’s Wife? And How Many Children Does He Have?

Marriages

Johnson has been married three times. His first marriage was to Allegra Mostyn-Owen from 1987 to 1993. His second marriage, to Marina Wheeler, lasted from 1993 until their divorce in 2020. He married Carrie Symonds, now Carrie Johnson, in 2021. Carrie Johnson is a former Conservative Party communications director and environmental activist.

Children

The number of Johnson’s children is reported differently across sources. CNN lists seven children across his relationships, while the Museum of the Prime Minister states he has eight children, noting that two were born while he was in office. The safest statement based on available evidence is that he has at least seven children, and some sources report eight. His children include those from his marriage to Marina Wheeler, from a relationship with Helen MacIntyre, and from his marriage to Carrie Johnson.

What is Boris Johnson’s Net Worth and What Books Has He Written?

Net Worth

There is no single, reliably cited figure for Boris Johnson’s net worth in the available public records. Most estimates place his wealth between $1 million and $3 million, derived primarily from book advances, speaking fees, and his journalism career, rather than his political salary. However, these figures remain estimates, and no official financial disclosure has confirmed a precise total.

Books and Writing

Johnson has been a prolific writer and author throughout his career. His published books include works on Winston Churchill (The Churchill Factor), historical biographies, and his own memoir, Unleashed, released after his premiership. Publishing listings on Amazon and Audible identify him as the author of multiple books and audiobooks. A HarperCollins press release confirmed that a memoir was scheduled for publication, marking his continued activity as a book author.

Current Activities

Since resigning as Prime Minister, Johnson has focused on writing his memoir, contributing columns to the Daily Mail, and delivering paid speeches around the world. He has not returned to frontline politics, though he remains a vocal figure in conservative media.

Why Did Boris Johnson Resign as Prime Minister?

Johnson resigned as Prime Minister in July 2022 after a wave of cabinet resignations and mounting political pressure. The immediate trigger was the “Partygate” scandal, which involved gatherings in Downing Street during COVID-19 lockdowns that violated the rules his own government had set. He was fined by the police for attending one such gathering, and a subsequent parliamentary investigation found that he had misled Parliament about the events. His term officially ended on 6 September 2022, when Liz Truss succeeded him.

1. 1964: Born in New York City to Stanley Johnson and Charlotte Johnson Wahl.
2. 1987: Graduates from Oxford; begins journalism career at The Times.
3. 2001: Elected as MP for Henley-on-Thames.
4. 2008–2016: Serves as Mayor of London.
5. 2016–2018: Serves as Foreign Secretary under Theresa May.
6. 2019: Becomes Prime Minister after winning the Conservative leadership contest.
7. 2020: Leads UK through COVID-19 pandemic; contracts the virus.
8. 2021: Marries Carrie Symonds; Partygate scandal begins.
9. 2022: Resigns as Prime Minister after a cabinet rebellion.
10. 2023–2024: Publishes memoir ‘Unleashed’; returns to speaking circuit.

What is Known and What Remains Unclear About Boris Johnson?

What is Boris Johnson’s Political Legacy?

Boris Johnson’s political career is defined by both major achievements and significant controversies. Supporters credit him with delivering Brexit after years of parliamentary deadlock and overseeing one of the most effective COVID-19 vaccine rollout programmes in the world. Critics point to his handling of the pandemic’s early stages, the ethical breaches of the Partygate scandal, and the economic consequences of Brexit. His unique background—born in the US, educated at elite British institutions, and known for his distinctive oratory style—made him a figure who transcended traditional political categories. Post-PM, he remains an influential voice in conservative circles through his writing and media appearances, though his formal political career appears to be on hold.

Where Does the Information About Boris Johnson Come From?

This article draws on a range of authoritative sources, including official government records, historical archives, and major news organisations. Key sources include the UK government’s official profile of Boris Johnson, the Museum of the Prime Minister’s curatorial biography, and Wikipedia’s comprehensive biographical entry. News archives from the BBC, CNN, and The Independent provide additional context on specific events such as his resignation and the Partygate scandal.

“Boris Johnson is a British politician, former journalist, and author who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 24 July 2019 to 6 September 2022.”

— UK Government official profile

“He was baptised as a Catholic and confirmed as an Anglican as a teenager.”

— CNN Fast Facts

“He describes himself as a ‘one-man melting pot’ with Turkish, French, and German ancestry.”

— BBC News

What is the Bottom Line on Boris Johnson?

Boris Johnson remains one of the most consequential and controversial British politicians of the 21st century. His tenure as Prime Minister coincided with two of the most significant events in modern UK history—Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic—and his leadership style, personal life, and ethical record continue to provoke debate. For a broader perspective on UK political leadership, see our UK Prime Ministers Timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boris Johnson