It’s an extraordinary manifestation of the political chaos of the past six years, but it means Boris Johnson won’t be short of advice if he wants it. The transition from one of the most demanding jobs on Earth to a quieter life is far from easy, especially for those who leave their duties relatively young. At 58, Johnson is nine years older than David Cameron when he resigned. Sir John Major, who is now 79, has been out of office for 25 years. Mr Cameron never ended up in the kind of roles often held by former leaders, such as the head of Nato, and instead turned to lobbying, damaging his reputation with the Greensill scandal. There was, for many years, a tradition of former prime ministers remaining in the House and offering their experience and wisdom, even though a recalcitrant Edward Heath spent 24 years grumbling from the back tables. Theresa May stayed on, but is the only living former prime minister to do so after the next election. But for Mr Johnson, staying in Parliament looks unlikely. He is not a creature of Westminster, does not enjoy its culture or traditions and has few friendships with fellow MPs.
