Populist Boris Johnson Rides Brexit Anxeity to PM

Talk about history repeating itself...

Boris Johnson, the former mayor of London and one of the U.K.'s most divisive figures, will become the next prime minister of Great Britain.

Mr. Johnson replaces Theresa May, the embattled PM who steps down after her failure to negotiate a satisfactory deal on the Brexit issue. Mr. Johnson has campaigned on the promise of negotiating a better deal with the EU between now and the Oct. 31 deadline.

The rise of the fiery populist has drawn comparison to the election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency. The president has expressed his approval of Mr. Johnson's election, tweeting his congratulations early Tuesday.

Journalists, analysts and other politicians are more divided. Many of his rivals see the new PM as a blustering buffoon.  Reports in the British media indicate Mr. Johnson’s command will be off to a turbulent start.

In Britain, as in America, it would seem interesting times are ahead.

[Source: Washington Post, ABC News]