Cameron Offered Johnson Cabinet Role to Block Brexit, June 04

David Cameron offered Boris Johnson a senior cabinet position in early 2016 if Johnson agreed not to push for Brexit, according to a BBC documentary airing June 8. Cameron, then prime minister, proposed a “top five” role such as defence secretary during a tennis match at the US ambassador’s court. Johnson ultimately backed Leave four months before the vote, transforming the referendum debate.

The Tennis Court Negotiation

Cameron invited Johnson to play tennis at the US ambassador’s court near Regent’s Park in early 2016 to discuss the referendum. During the match, Cameron said: “Look, would you consider joining us on the remain campaign? I’d love to have you in the cabinet. You should have a top five job.” Cameron later clarified he did not specify which role, but said: “Be in no doubt, defence is a top five job, for instance. I wanted him to understand that I valued his contribution.”

Johnson’s Surprise About the Mystery Role

Johnson described his confusion about which position Cameron meant. “I obviously thought about it out of pure curiosity – what was this job? There’s prime minister, chancellor, home secretary, foreign secretary. That’s four. What is the fifth? A mystery,” Johnson said in the documentary. Cameron’s director of communications, Craig Oliver, was aware of the discussion but the full details remained private until now.

Johnson Chose Leave Over Cabinet

Despite Cameron’s offer, Johnson announced in February 2016 that he was backing the Leave campaign after “a huge amount of heartache.” His decision came four months before the June referendum vote. The revelation shows how close Cameron came to securing Johnson’s public support for Remain, which could have altered the referendum’s trajectory and outcome.

Documentary Marks Decade Since Vote

The BBC documentary “A Very British Civil War” airs on June 8 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum. The two-part programme features Cameron’s account of the cabinet offer and Johnson’s recollection of the tennis match discussion. The disclosure reveals previously unknown details about behind-the-scenes negotiations during one of Britain’s most divisive political moments.

Final Thoughts

Cameron’s offer shows how contingent the Brexit result was on Johnson’s choice. The revelation underscores the personal and political stakes that shaped Britain’s departure from the EU.

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