Politics
Kate Plummer
Feb 04, 2022
Independent
Boris Johnson referenced The Lion King while giving a speech to rally members of staff in the wake of five aides resigning.
According to sources speaking to the Mirror, the PM invoked Rafiki, the philosopher Mandrill from the Disney epic when he met with staff, following Munira Mirza calling it quits over the PM's controversial Jimmy Savile comments about Keir Starmer.
He said: "As Rafiki in the Lion King says, change is good, and change is necessary even though it's tough.
"We've got to get on with our job of serving the people of this country."
He added: "This is like a half-time pep talk.. This is the moment when spit out the chewed up slice of orange.
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"You put the gum-shield back in and then you get back on the pitch. That's what we're doing".
"None of us are in this business because we want to be luxuriating simply in being in Downing St because it's a wonderful place to be.
"It's a privilege to work here. We are doing wonderful things for our country and you should be very proud of what you're doing."
It comes after Mirza cited the PM's false claim that Starmer failed to prosecute Savile as her resignation reason, while other members of staff quit reportedly due to Partygate and other issues plaguing the prime minister.
So, as 'Big Dog' decided acting like a lion would be the most appropriate course of action, here's how people reacted:
Can you imagine Churchill quoting Rafiki from the Lion King? No? Neither can I.https://twitter.com/pippacrerar/status/1489568242138025985\u00a0\u2026— Tadeo (@Tadeo) 1643977025
So, @borisjohnson when you are not partying do you only watch kids stuff? Peppy pig now the Lion king , what next?https://twitter.com/pippacrerar/status/1489568242138025985\u00a0\u2026— Frenchie Mc Frenchface \ud83d\udc99 (@Frenchie Mc Frenchface \ud83d\udc99) 1643976402
The PM\u2019s spokesperson confirms Boris Johnson quoted from the Lion King in an Downing Street staff meeting this morning, telling them: \u201cChange is good.\u201d\n\nThey couldn\u2019t confirm whether he\u2019s actually seen the Lion King or not.— John Johnston (@John Johnston) 1643976106
He\u2019s more Bungle Bookhttps://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/desperate-boris-johnson-invokes-lion-26139091\u00a0\u2026— The Jase \ud83d\udc36 \ud83c\udfb8 \ud83c\udfa5 (@The Jase \ud83d\udc36 \ud83c\udfb8 \ud83c\udfa5) 1643976182
Boris Johnson addressed the (remaining) staff at Downing Street today, quoting - wait for it - THE LION KING!!!! Apparently "change is good". Kill me now #PartyGate— Daphne Romney QC (@Daphne Romney QC) 1643976622
Boris, don't quote The Lion King - you're the comedy warthog.https://twitter.com/petercardwell/status/1489559375316459523\u00a0\u2026— Caitlin Moran (@Caitlin Moran) 1643975068
Churchill: "We shall never surrender"\n\nThatcher: "The lady is not for turning"\n\nBlair: "Education, Education, Education"\n\nJohnson: "Hakuna Matata"— Jack Meredith #StillEuropean \ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddfa (@Jack Meredith #StillEuropean \ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddfa) 1643975976
I\u2019ve only been in Boris Johnson\u2019s presence once, and he also quoted from The Lion King.https://twitter.com/petercardwell/status/1489559375316459523\u00a0\u2026— Zoe Flood (@Zoe Flood) 1643974559
At least he didn't mention Peppa Pig...
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