Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is preparing for a significant return to the political arena by campaigning for the Conservative Party in crucial areas ahead of the upcoming general election. His focus will be on the Red Wall constituencies in the north of England and the Midlands, which were pivotal to the Conservative’s victory in 2019. This move indicates a reconciliation with the current Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, suggesting a united approach within the party to face Labour leader Starmer in marginal constituencies. Despite recent challenges, including MP Lee Anderson’s defection to Reform UK, Johnson’s commitment to supporting the Conservative Party remains strong.

In a separate development, Boris Johnson undertook a private trip to Venezuela for informal discussions with President Nicolás Maduro, aimed at highlighting the importance of democracy in the South American country. This visit, which was not financed by the UK government, stands out due to ongoing diplomatic tensions between the UK and Venezuela. The UK has been advocating for democratic elections in Venezuela and the release of imprisoned activists and political foes. Johnson’s visit is part of a broader pattern of his international engagements since stepping down as Prime Minister, with previous visits to Ukraine and Israel, underscoring his continued influence on the global stage.

Meanwhile, former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has urged current PM Rishi Sunak to prevent Scottish Tory MSP Stephen Kerr from running for a Westminster seat due to a controversy surrounding Scottish Government aid funding to Gaza. The dispute revolves around a £250,000 grant to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) amidst allegations that First Minister Humza Yousaf overruled advice in favour of another charity, leading to accusations of a conflict of interest given Yousaf’s personal connections to Gaza. The issue has prompted a heated debate about the allocation of aid and the governance of public funds, with calls for transparency in the decision-making process.

These developments reflect ongoing political dynamics and controversies within the UK, involving key figures from the Conservative Party and debates over international and domestic policies.