Boris Johnson could be one of our great reforming Prime Ministers, says LEO McKINSTRY
IF Boris Johnson governs with the same verve with which he spoke in Downing Street, he could become one of our finest reforming prime ministers. His rousing, fast-paced speech was a remarkable testament to his faith in the greatness of our country and its capacity to embrace the challenge of freedom.
Oozing optimism and ambition for Britain's future, he promised that "the years of unfounded self-doubt" would be banished, that the "doomsayers and gloomsters are going to get it wrong". It was a well-crafted address, packed with more detail and less humour than critics might have expected. Given that Johnson is a master of the English language, there were a few punchy lines, like "never mind the backstop, the buck stops with me".
At times he spoke so loudly that he sounded like a classical orator from his beloved ancient Rome, determined to reach the back of the amphitheatre, though the high volume had the welcome effect of drowning the tiresome gaggle of hecklers in Whitehall.
But he also struck a modern note. In an echo of Harold Wilson's famous pledge to forge a new Britain in "the white heat of technological revolution", Johnson pledged to boost our prosperity by harnessing advanced new developments, such as communications satellites and genetic modification.
Inevitably, Brexit was at the centre of his speech as he unequivocally reiterated that Britain would leave at the end of October, with or without a deal.
But he gave an assurance that his Government would fully prepare for the latter scenario, helped by the "lubrication" of not having to pay the £39billion "divorce bill" to Brussels, as well as the creation of free ports around the country to facilitate trade.
Apart from his binding commitment to leave the EU in the autumn, he also set out a powerful domestic agenda for his premiership.
Among his specific pledges were a solution to the social care crisis, an increase of 20,000 in the number of police officers, improvements to animal welfare, greater funding for schools and a programme of NHS upgrades.
"My job is to make sure you don't have to wait three weeks to see your GP," he said, a bold promise which will be tough to keep in view of the soaring demands on the NHS.
Indeed, some detractors may dismiss his vision as a lot of wishful thinking that, at best, will result in huge new burdens on the taxpayer.
Incoming prime ministers never used to give these kind of Downing Street orations.
The public had to be content with a wave from Clement Attlee and Sir Anthony Eden.
The practice began with Margaret Thatcher, below, in 1979, when she quoted the words of St Francis about bringing "harmony".
Since then, they have grown almost into conference-style performances.
In the process, they can provide plenty of hostages to fortune, as Theresa May proved with her speech about her determination to tackle "burning injustices".
Through his wide range of promises, Johnson has made himself similarly vulnerable.
But he has certainly made a courageous, confident start.