Less Exodus, more Holy Grail: Boris Johnson mocked for U-turn on Brexit deal

Boris Johnson became the talk of Twitter after reports that he was planning a dramatic U-turn to back Theresa May’s Brexit deal.

Mr Johnson had previously been an outspoken opponent of the Prime Minister’s Withdrawal Agreement, comparing the UK’s efforts to leave the EU to the biblical struggle between Moses and Egypt’s Pharoah in the Daily Telegraph.

“It is time for the PM to channel the spirit of Moses in Exodus and say to Pharaoh in Brussels – LET MY PEOPLE GO,” read his op-ed on the front of the newspaper, a day after meeting with the PM at her Chequers retreat.

After his apparent change of stance on the deal just three days later, many were quick to poke fun at the former foreign secretary.

Former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron made reference to the article, suggesting his behaviour was “less Exodus, more Holy Grail”, referring to the classic Monty Python film.

“Brave Sir Boris ran away… Yes, brave Sir Boris turned about and gallantly he chickened out,” he tweeted, referencing a song from the 1975 film.

Shadow Brexit secretary Keir Starmer also aimed a jab at Mr Johnson, tweeting: “I wonder what it is about the pending Tory leadership contest that made Boris change his mind?”

Comedy writer Mollie Goodfellow gave a nod to Remainers, tweeting: “Essentially Boris is saying initially he voted for one thing and now he will vote a different way now he fully knows the implications. *looks to camera*”

And journalist Tom Peck wrote: “Ah…remember when Boris Johnson hired his own photographer to do a photoshoot of himself signing his resignation letter because he couldn’t support the deal? Well, he’s changed his mind now. How sweet…”

Not everyone was critical, however. Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith said Mr Johnson’s decision could “save Brexit”.

“Boris is absolutely right to back the deal.,” he tweeted. “The context & circumstances today have changed and it is crystal clear that we have a choice between a flawed deal or years of paralysis, division and ultimately collapse.

“His intervention might just save Brexit.”