Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, remains one of the most recognizable and divisive figures in modern British politics. Known for his role in delivering Brexit, his dishevelled appearance, and a political career marked by both high achievement and deep controversy, Johnson’s life story is a study in ambition, charisma, and scandal. This article provides a comprehensive overview of his biography, covering his age, family, net worth, published works, and more.
Born Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson on June 19, 1964, in New York City, he is an American-born British politician who led the UK through the COVID-19 pandemic and the final stages of its departure from the European Union. His tenure as Prime Minister, from July 24, 2019, to September 6, 2022, was cut short by a series of scandals that ultimately forced his resignation.
Who is Boris Johnson?
Full Name
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson
Born
19 June 1964 (age 60 in 2024)
Height
Approx. 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Net Worth
Estimated £1.5–3 million (varies by source)
- Johnson is a polarizing figure best known for his role in the Brexit referendum and his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- He has authored several books, including a celebrated biography of Winston Churchill and a recent political memoir.
- His personal finances are a mix of book advances, speaking fees, media work, and some inheritance.
- He married Carrie Symonds in 2021 and has multiple children from different relationships.
- Johnson served as the MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip until June 2023, after which he focused on writing and public speaking.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson |
| Date of Birth | 19 June 1964 |
| Age | 60 (as of 2024) |
| Place of Birth | New York City, USA |
| Political Party | Conservative |
| Prime Minister Term | 24 Jul 2019 – 6 Sep 2022 |
| Spouse | Carrie Symonds (m. 2021) |
| Children | At least 7 (including Wilfred, Romy, Frank, two from previous marriage, and others) |
| Education | Eton College, Balliol College Oxford (Classics) |
| Net Worth | Estimated £1.5–3 million |
Early Life and Education
Johnson was born in New York City while his father, Stanley Johnson, was working for the European Commission. The family moved to London when Boris was five years old. He was educated at Eton College and later at the University of Oxford, where he studied Classics. At Oxford, he edited the Oxford Union and served as President of the Oxford University Conservative Association. A letter he wrote to his father at age 18, expressing a desire to become “world king,” hints at the ambition that would define his career.
Personal Details: Age, Religion, Height
As of July 2026, Johnson is 61 years old. He publicly identifies as a Christian, though his personal faith is not a central theme in his public life. His height is reported to be approximately 5’11” (180 cm), according to sources such as Britannica, though this figure is not officially confirmed in official records.
Johnson’s height is often reported as around 5’9″ to 5’11”. The variation comes from different estimates by media outlets, and no official document provides a precise measurement.
Who are Boris Johnson’s wife and children?
Carrie Symonds
Johnson married Carrie Symonds (now Carrie Johnson) in May 2021. Carrie is a former Conservative Party communications director and an environmental activist. The couple have three children together: Wilfred, born in 2020; Romy, born in 2021; and Frank, born in 2023.
Other Children
Johnson has acknowledged having at least seven children in total. From his first marriage to Aileen Armstrong (married 1987, divorced 1993) he has two children: Tom (born 1992) and Rachel (born 1994). A court confirmed in 2013 that he is the father of Mischa, born in 2000 to publisher Marina Turković. Other children have been reported, but their names and details are not fully public due to privacy considerations.
What is Boris Johnson’s net worth?
Estimates of Johnson’s net worth vary widely. Britannica places the figure between £5 million and £10 million, while other sources in the UK press suggest a range of £1.5 million to £3 million. The money derives from book advances, journalism, speaking fees, and political salaries. Exact figures are not publicly disclosed, and no single authoritative source provides a verified total.
Johnson’s net worth is difficult to pin down because his earnings from book deals and speaking tours are often reported in aggregate. His memoir Unleashed, published in 2024, was a major source of income, but specific financial terms were not made public.
What books has Boris Johnson written?
Johnson is the author of approximately 12 books. Among his most notable works are:
- The Churchill Factor – A bestselling historical biography of Winston Churchill, published in 2014.
- The Perils of Pushy Parents – A self-illustrated children’s book.
- Unleashed – A candid political memoir released in 2024, covering his time in office and his views on Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to his books, Johnson edited The Spectator magazine for six years and wrote extensively for The Daily Telegraph and dozens of other publications.
Timeline of Key Events in Boris Johnson’s Life
- 1964: Born in New York City.
- 1987: Graduates from Oxford and begins journalism at The Times.
- 1994: Fired from The Times for fabricating a quote; joins The Daily Telegraph as European correspondent.
- 2001: Elected MP for Henley.
- 2008: Elected Mayor of London.
- 2016: Appointed Foreign Secretary under Theresa May.
- 2019: Elected Conservative leader and becomes Prime Minister.
- 2020: Leads the UK through the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2022: Resigns as Prime Minister amid the partygate scandal.
- 2023: Leaves the House of Commons.
What is known and what remains unclear about Boris Johnson?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Date of birth (19 June 1964), education (Eton, Oxford), official political positions (MP, Mayor, PM) | Exact net worth figures vary widely between sources. |
| Marriage to Carrie Symonds in 2021, number of acknowledged children (7, with some names known) | Total number of children and details about some children due to privacy. |
| Published book titles and publication dates, including The Churchill Factor and Unleashed | Religion: raised Anglican, current practice is private. |
| Key political events: Brexit delivery, COVID-19 handling, resignation | Height: often reported as 5’9″ but not officially confirmed. |
What is Boris Johnson’s broader significance?
Johnson’s legacy is deeply contested. To supporters, he is the leader who finally delivered Brexit and won a historic election majority in 2019. To critics, he presided over a tumultuous COVID-19 response and multiple ethics scandals, culminating in his resignation. Since leaving office, he has maintained a public presence through speaking tours, book deals, and media commentary. Speculation about a possible political comeback persists, but no formal plans have been announced.
Sources and notable quotes
“I never wanted to be a politician. I wanted to be a world king.” — Boris Johnson (from The Churchill Factor)
This quote, drawn from a letter he wrote at age 18, illustrates the outsized ambition that characterised his career. Other notable statements include the Kremlin labelling him an “enemy number one” for his strong stance on Russia, a claim reported by the AHF JW3 series.
Summary: The arc of Boris Johnson’s career
From his birth in New York to his education at Eton and Oxford, his rise through journalism to the highest political office in the UK, Boris Johnson’s biography is one of relentless ambition. He remains a prominent figure in British public life, his story interwoven with Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a series of scandals. For those interested in understanding the broader context of recent British politics, you may also want to read about Ed Miliband – Biography, Leadership and Political Career 2025 and Liz Truss – Biography, Resignation and the Lettuce Meme.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Boris Johnson?
Boris Johnson is reported to be about 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) tall, though this is not officially confirmed in any official record.
What is Boris Johnson’s religion?
He was raised in the Anglican faith, but his current religious practice is generally considered private. He has described himself as a ‘Church of England Christian’ in the past.
Where was Boris Johnson born?
He was born in New York City, USA, which gave him dual US-UK citizenship until he renounced his US citizenship in 2016.
Is Boris Johnson still an MP?
No, he resigned as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip on 12 June 2023.
What is ‘Boris Johnson AI’?
Some search interest centers on AI-generated content about Boris Johnson, such as deepfake videos or AI-written articles, but there is no official project related to AI.
How old is Boris Johnson?
As of July 2026, he is 61 years old. He was born on June 19, 1964.
What is Boris Johnson’s full name?
His full name is Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson.
Is Boris Johnson still married to Carrie Symonds?
Yes, as of the latest available information, he remains married to Carrie Johnson, whom he wed in May 2021.
Did Boris Johnson write a book about Churchill?
Yes, he wrote The Churchill Factor, a bestselling biography of Winston Churchill published in 2014.
Eleanor Reeves is Managing Editor at readingwire.co.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and newsroom workflow.