Boris Johnson’s 'Let the Bodies Pile High' Remark: Implications for His Political Career

Looking back, we now know that Boris Johnson made the infamous remark, “let the bodies pile high,” during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Describing the pandemic management as a challenging endeavor, Simon Case, the former Downing Street permanent secretary, remarked, “I’ve never seen a bunch of people less well-equipped to run a country.” This sentiment was shared widely, yet it did not initially receive much public attention.

Despite Downing Street denying Mr. Johnson’s remark at the time, the statement has been confirmed under oath in the ongoing Covid public enquiry. Edward Udney-Lister, Mr. Johnson's former chief of staff, acknowledged that the phrase “let the bodies pile high” was “an unfortunate turn of phrase.” Udney-Lister, a long-time Johnson supporter, further revealed during a Commons session that Mr. Johnson had not made the statement, adding to the accumulating evidence of Johnson's untruthfulness.

The ramifications of this remark extend beyond mere denials. Mr. Johnson’s resignation as both Prime Minister and MP was only the beginning of what could be a more detrimental impact on his political career. As of November 2022, over 231,000 people in the UK have sadly passed away due to COVID-19, as noted in their death certificates, adding further weight to the controversy.

Given the findings from the ongoing enquiry, many believe that Mr. Johnson should not be allowed to hold any public office ever again. His repeated lying has become a central focus, cementing his reputation as a politician incapable of honesty.

The Debate: Is the Remark Really Important?

Some argue that this remark, and others like it, will not make a significant difference in Mr. Johnson’s political career. They cite instances such as the color of his curtains and who paid for his holiday as equally trivial.

A commentary from a Labour correspondent, quoted in a radio segment, underscores the broader political context, suggesting that “this is the kind of offhand remark that we all make from time to time.” The correspondent echoes the idea that such remarks are often not taken seriously.

For instance, during the teenager years when we may express frustration with the phrase, “I’ll bloody swing for the little bugger one day,” or “I’ll wring his bloody neck when I get my hands on him,” we do not typically mean these statements. They are merely figures of speech used to convey a momentary outburst of frustration.

Similar to these analogies, the vague and often meaningless nature of such remarks can reinforce a politician’s credibility. Recent local and parliamentary by-elections have demonstrated that off-the-cuff remarks are often shrugged off, particularly by those who may see them as hyperbolic or self-important.

Indeed, referencing the original quotation, it is argued that concerns over Johnson's remarks, "won’t make the slightest bit of difference." Mr. Johnson's supporters and allies might see these remarks as trivial and unimportant, bolstering his position in the political arena.

Conclusion: The Political Landscape and the Labour Party's Future

The broader political context also shapes the significance of such remarks. As stated by the Labour correspondent, “unlike the WOKETEERS who pretend to take every utterance seriously if it suits their purpose, the rest of us know that this is the kind of offhand remark that we all make from time to time.”

This perspective underscores the broader political landscape, where Johnson's reputation for outspokenness may be seen as a part of what defines him as a leader. Furthermore, viewing historical political trajectories in the UK reveals a pattern of alternating between Conservative and Labour governments stripped of consistent support from the Labour Party.

Without delving into the true impact of Johnson's remarks, one cannot overlook their potential implications. The Labour Party's current record, according to this reasoning, is marked by strife and inconsistency. In the last 45 years, from Margaret Thatcher to the current Tory leadership, there has been a consistent stream of political changes, with minor electoral shifts reinforcing the existing political division.

As the Labour Party faces challenges in the wake of demographic shifts and shifts in constituency boundaries based on the 2021 Census, it remains to be seen how this will affect Labour's future. The tension within Labour's ranks and potential gains for the Conservative Party highlight the changing political landscape and the broader implications of this discourse.

In conclusion, while the remark may seem trivial to some, it highlights the deeper political battles and shifts that are currently unfolding in the UK.