Boris Johnson has joined social networking and job-seeking platform LinkedIn days after denying rumours he would be leaving Downing Street in January.
Last week the PM dismissed as ‘absolute nonsense’ claims from top aide Dominic Cummings’ father-in-law that he was planning to stand down early next year.
Sir Humphry Wakefield had reportedly suggested that Johnson was on the way out because he was struggling with his health in the wake of his own recovery from Covid-19.
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However, the PM insisted: ‘If anything, far better as I’ve lost some weight.
‘Not enough, but I have lost at least a stone and a half.’
The newly-created profile lists the PM’s previous jobs in politics such as foreign secretary and mayor of London, but does not include his previous work as a journalist, and the jobs he was sacked from.
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In a video launching the new account, Johnson insisted he was ‘trying to do right’ for companies across the country amid fears the withdrawal of the furlough system could lead to a spike in job losses.
He said: ‘I just wanted to let you know that I’m now on LinkedIn and that’s because businesses of all sizes are vital to this country and I want to connect more directly with you as we build back better, stronger than ever before.’
Downing Street said the profile had been launched to enable Johnson to ‘engage directly with businesses and workers’, adding that it was ‘particularly important during the economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic’.
‘You can expect to see on there a mixture of written and video content from the PM which will promote UK businesses, jobs and economic announcements, and also detail some of the visits and engagements the PM has with business,’ the PM’s official spokesman added.
‘I think a number of other leaders are on LinkedIn as well at the moment – I think president (Emmanuel) Macron and prime minister (Justin) Trudeau are, for example.’
It is connected to the government’s PR blitz encouraging people to return to their workplaces.
Ahead of the general election campaign Johnson joined social media network Snapchat to communicate with younger voters.
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