Who is Cincinnatus? Boris Johnson compares himself to Roman dictator in hint at return

Outgoing PM Boris Johnson compared himself to Roman dictator Cincinnatus who ‘returned to his plough’ after his time in office – but was later asked to return to power

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Boris Johnson compares himself to Cincinnatus in farewell speech

Boris Johnson claimed he is a “used booster rocket” jettisoned into the sea – but many believe a reference to a Roman dictator in his final speech as PM means he intends to return to power.

The outgoing Prime Minister, now on his way to Scotland to step down in front of the Queen, referenced Roman statesman Cincinnatus in his farewell speech outside Downing Street.

During the seven minute address to the nation, he said: “On the subject of bouncing around in future careers – let me say I am now like one of those booster rockets that has fulfilled its function and I will now be gently re-entering the atmosphere and splashing down invisibly in some remote and obscure corner of the Pacific.

“And like Cincinnatus, I am returning to my plough.”

Read the latest on Boris Johnson’s resignation on our live blog here

After his term in office the fifth century statesman returned to his plough, but later returned to office (

Image:

Chris Light/Wikimedia Commons)

The quip however could suggest this is not the last Brits will have seen of the soon to be ex PM.

History shows Cincinnatus was a fifth century farmer until the Senate of ancient Rome decided to elect him as dictator in their hour of need against invasion, asking him to leave his plough to help the republic.

Agreeing, he secured victory and immediately relinquished his power and “returned to his plough” – as Mr Johnson says he will now do.

However – in a move which many believe the current PM was alluding to in his farewell speech – legend says Cincinnatus returned to power when called upon to once again help the Empire.

The Prime Minister gave his last speech today ahead of giving his resignation to the Queen (

Image:

AFP via Getty Images)

Classicist Mary Beard said on Twitter : “If you are curious about Boris Johnson’s reference to Cincinnatus in his goodbye speech – he was a 5th century BC Roman politician who saved the state from an invasion, then – job done – returned to his farm (‘to his plough’).

“He was also an enemy of the people.”

Satirist Armando Iannucci added: “Johnson expects to be called back.

“Cincinnatus was recalled from his plough to become leader of Rome a second time. Someone tell the people with microphones at Downing Street.”

Cincinnatus was asked to leave his plough to return to politics (

Image:

Juan Antonio de Ribera)

Unlike the PM however, Cincinnatus was not a career politician, merely answering the call of his people when they required help.

It is not the first time Mr Johnson has compared himself to the Roman dictator.

In 2009, during his time as London mayor he said in an interview: “If, like Cincinnatus, I were to be called from my plough, then obviously it would be wrong of me not to help out.”

Those closest to him have long held the belief he will be plotting his comeback to frontline politics, despite his claims today to offer his “fervent support” to Liz Truss.

Boris Johnson drags wife Carrie along as he leaves Downing Street (

Image:

REUTERS)

He added in his speech: “This is it folks.

“Thank you everybody for coming out so early this morning. In only a couple of hours I will be in Balmoral to see Her Majesty the Queen and the torch will finally be passed to a new Conservative leader.

“The baton will be handed over in what has unexpectedly turned out to be a relay race. They changed the rules halfway through, but never mind that now.”

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