【明報專訊】From Eton College to Downing Street

THE incumbent Prime Minister of the UK, Boris Johnson (約翰遜), was born to British parents in New York City, the US. He studied at the renowned Eton College, London, which is attended by members of the British royal family, politicians and famous actors including Tom Hiddleston and Eddie Redmayne.

Johnson developed a career in political journalism and later devoted himself to politics as a member of Parliament. In 2008, Johnson was voted as mayor of London. During his terms, London successfully hosted the 2012 Olympics.

Johnson was elected leader of the ruling party, the Conservative Party, in 2019 after Theresa May (文翠珊) resigned from the position. According to the British political system, the leader of the ruling party also takes the job of Prime Minister. Thus, Johnson became the occupant of 10 Downing Street, London tasked with leading the UK in its negotiations with the EU on Brexit (英國脫歐).

■Photo Story

Boris Johnson is known for his love of cycling. During his tenure as mayor of London, he vigorously supported the city's cycleway project to encourage the public to opt out of fossil-fueled transportation. (photo.2)

Jo Johnson is Boris Johnson's younger brother. He served as Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation from July 2019. He resigned as a member of Parliament and government minister in September 2019, saying he was "torn between family loyalty and the national interest." (photo.3)

■English highway﹕-ism

The suffix -ism is used to form nouns that refer to beliefs, studies, or behaviours.

e.g. Buddhism, feminism, professionalism

■Gear up

Give short answers to the following questions.

(1) Where was Boris Johnson born?

____________________

(2) When did London host the Olympic Games?

____________________

(3) Who was the Prime Minister before Boris Johnson?

____________________

(Answers on next text)

■Glossary

incumbent (n) 現任

renowned (adj) 著名的

opt out (phr v) 選擇退出

torn between ... and ... (idiom) 掙扎

[Smarties' Power English 第254期]