News that Boris Johnson is to be appointed to the advisory board of the International Democracy Union (IDU) has been met with shocked and dismayed reactions.
The IDU is a global centre-right group chaired by Stephen Harper, the former prime minister of Canada, whose stated goal is the promotion of “democracy and centre-right policies around the globe”.
The group announced on Tuesday: “The IDU is excited to announce that PM Boris Johnson has joined our Honorary Advisory Board.
“His extensive experience as a statesman will be of tremendous help as we work towards building an ever-stronger alliance of the centre-right! Welcome to the IDU, Prime Minister!”
Johnson was kicked out of office after successive scandals toppled his premiership, culminating in the Chris Pincher affair that led to today’s by-election in Tamworth.
During his short time in office Johnson unlawfully suspended Parliament, restricted the right to vote and protest, and lied to MPs, prompting some shocked reactions.
Tom Brufatto, director of policy at Best for Britain, told Byline TImes: “There is a staggering irony in Boris Johnson – the man who unlawfully prorogued parliament, eroded voters’ democratic rights with the Election’s Bill, and was found to have deliberately misled Parliament and the country during the pandemic – providing advice on the promotion of democracy.
“He should have no further influence on our or anyone else’s politics.”
Others have responded with similar disbelief. “Their entrance requirements must be really low to think he’s an asset to the group,” one said.
Another said: “Any potential credibility they have just flown out of the window. [I] can’t believe any organisation thinks having Johnson on board is an asset.”
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