A Rorschach test is an exercise some psychologists use. The patient is shown a series of inky patterns and asked what they think they look like. Two people might see different things in the same image.

Sometimes politicians can have the same effect. Some people look at Boris Johnson and see a man who got BrexitThe UK's departure from the European Union. done, who steered Britain through Covid-19, who was brought down by treacheryAn act of harming someone who trusts you..

Others see a bloviatingTalking for a long time in a self-important way, but without really saying anything. buffoon who permanently trashed Britain's reputation, who partied while others suffered, who had to leave office in disgrace.

So which is the real Boris Johnson? The wronged statesman or the lying scoundrel?

Johnson likes to compare himself with Winston ChurchillThe British prime minister during World War Two, and later from 1951 to 1955. . In private, Churchill drank too much and made bawdy jokes. But in public, he was a solid, reassuring presence.

Johnson's problem, his critics say, is that his public image is just as buffoonish as his private one.

This is not entirely his fault. In Churchill's day, politicians spent much less time in front of a camera. It was easier to control their public image.

But even taking this into account, critics say, Johnson never had the calibre of a Churchill. His hero inspired people to hang on during World War TwoA global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945 and included all of the great powers. . In contrast, during the pandemic, they argue, Johnson's mismanagement meant Britain ended up with almost twice the proportion of excess deathsThe number of fatalities above what would be expected in normal times. It includes non-Covid-19 deaths caused by disruption to the healthcare system. as its neighbours.¹

Others think there is a more accurate parallel with a different Conservative partyA British political party. Members are known as Tories. prime minister: Benjamin Disraeli. Like Johnson, Disraeli was seen as unserious and dishonest.

Nonetheless, he had his talents. Like Johnson, he had a unique power to speak for ordinary people.

Disraeli lost power after a short time, but then came back to win again. Johnson will be hoping he can pull off the same feat.

Yes: Johnson's whole career is a melodramaA film, story or TV plot with exaggerated emotions and characters. of betrayal, deceit and personal nastiness. He elevated his own ego over the interests of the nation. His name should live in infamy forever.

No: Johnson had his flaws, but so do most politicians. Unlike the rest, he really cared about bringing growth and opportunities to the areas of the country that have been neglected in recent decades.

Or... The real problem is not with Johnson, but with the people in politics and media who boosted him and cheered him on right up to the end. Britain needs to think about how its political culture enabled him.