Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Boris Johnson imitates Winston Churchill with predictable consequences

London Mayor was on weekly LBC programme when he responded to question from professional impersonator

Rose Troup Buchanan
Tuesday 03 February 2015 15:15 GMT
Comments
Boris Johnson, currently London Mayor, has said he will run for parliament in May
Boris Johnson, currently London Mayor, has said he will run for parliament in May (PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Boris Johnson has attempted to impersonate wartime leader Winston Churchill.

The London Mayor was responding to a question from professional impersonator ‘Henley’ from Winchester, on LBC radio.

Never one to miss an opportunity to show off, having listened to the professional Johnson quickly adapted his answer to mimic the forms of one of Churchill’s better known speeches, just not particularly successfully.

Johnson, who is presently touting a hagiographic biography of Churchill, proceeds to mangle the former wartime leader’s tone.

Sounding like a puppy masticating a particularly ugly tie, it appears Mr Johnson is attempting to say: “We will defend our cycle highways, whatever the cost will be.

“And if this cycle superhighway, which I do not think for one moment should be overwhelmed by the forces of darkness in Canary Wharf, then TfL, fortified, guarded…it will be superb.”

The next 20 seconds follow in a similar way, as Johnson’s naturally ebullient tones struggle to slow down long enough for any semblance of Churchill’s famously long-winded and gravelly vowels to be heard.

Just so you can compare, here’s a clip of Churchill speaking below.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in