Boris Johnson has announced he is joining GB News as their latest star presenter, commentator and programme maker, in a career move he describes as “exciting”.
The shock announcement came this afternoon, with the ex-PM telling his Twitter followers in a video: “I’m excited to say that I’m shortly going to be joining you on GB News, and I’m going to be giving this remarkable new TV channel my unvarnished views on everything from Russia, China, the war in Ukraine, how we meet all those challenges, to the huge opportunities that lie ahead for us – why I think our best days are yet to come – and why on the whole the people of the world want to see more global Britain, not less”.
“So join me on GB News for some great British television”.
The channel says Mr Johnson will create and present a new series showcasing the power of Britain around the world, as well as hosting the occasional special in front of live audiences around the UK.
His decision to join the channel further boosts the profile of the former Prime Minister, after taking up a weekly column with the Daily Mail this summer.
Editorial Director Michael Booker said: “I’m delighted to say, GB News has got Boris ‘done’!”
“We are tremendously proud to have him join the GB News family, particularly as we head into a seismic year of politics both here and across the Atlantic.
“Boris has been the most influential Prime Minister of our generation, and his unique insight into domestic and world affairs will be a smash hit with our viewers and listeners.
“As well as his political skills, he’s an incredibly talented journalist and author, so we can’t wait to start working with him on what will be must-see TV.”
Shortly after the announcement, the Government’s body on business appointments published a letter giving him the go-ahead, adding it could not see “any particular concerns” with him joining the channel.
Mr Johnson is just one of many Tory politicians on the channel, and will join ex-colleagues Jacob Rees-Mogg, Philip Davies, Esther McVey and Lee Anderson on the GB News payroll.
GB News political editor Chris Hope said Mr Johnson continues to “stir the heart of the nation in a way other politicians don’t, and that’s why a lot of MPs are glad he’s not around because he was quite difficult to manage”.
“I think he will be setting the political weather for another 10 years or so and will be doing it right here on GB News.
“He is someone who feels he has unfinished business in British politics.”
