Boris Johnson is in uncharted territory. The serial election winner who rode that reputation to the top job in British politics is battling to prove to members of his ruling Conservative Party he should keep it.
After a bruising month of Tory rebellions, a row over lobbying and ethics, and squabbling top officials — all against a backdrop of an ugly political spat with the U.K.’s nearest neighbor — even a prime minister known for his erratic behavior and embrace of chaos has realized his leadership needs urgent repair.
Johnson has been hosting weekly drinks and canapes for Tory MPs, divided into groups according to the years they entered Parliament, to try to soothe nerves. According to one person who attended, he is making a point to speak to each MP individually to show he’s listening to their concerns.