The notion of a critical first 100 days in office deciding the fate of a leader stems not from American politics, where it has been invoked frequently by new presidents seeking to suggest that they were unleashing a new spirit of dynamism. The idea actually originated with Napoleon’s final fightback and ultimate failure in 1815. During les cent jours the French leader escaped from exile on Elba and boldly reclaimed power in France. The rebirth of the emperor didn’t last. By an ominous quirk of history, it is precisely 100 days from the day Boris Johnson expects to become prime minister (on the afternoon of July 24) until October 31, supposedly Britain’s last day in the European Union.

Source: The Times June 27, 2019 16:07 UTC