Boris Johnson to Speak at University of Iowa in November
The former British Prime Minister will deliver a public lecture at the Iowa Memorial Union on November 2, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Lecture and Seminars
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Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is scheduled to visit Iowa City to deliver a public lecture on November 2, 2026. He will speak at the Iowa Memorial Union on the topic of Saving The West.
Why it matters
The event is hosted by the University of Iowa chapter of Young Americans for Freedom and the Center for Intellectual Freedom, which aims to promote intellectual diversity and scholarship on campus.
Boris Johnson served as Mayor of London from 2008 to 2016 and as a Member of Parliament from 2001 to 2008. He is currently 62 years old and led the Conservative party for 4 years.
The players
Boris Johnson
He is a former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom who led the nation through its departure from the European Union.
University of Iowa
This public research university in Iowa City is hosting the upcoming lecture.
Center for Intellectual Freedom
This university entity was created to advance scholarship and foster greater intellectual diversity on campus.
Young Americans for Freedom
This is a student organization that co-hosted the invitation for the former Prime Minister.
The details
The visit is co-organized by the University of Iowa Center for Intellectual Freedom, which was founded to expand the range of scholarly perspectives available to students. Johnson previously served as the UK leader during a period that included the nation's 2020 exit from the European Union, followed by his 2022 resignation from Parliament amid multiple scandals.
Timeline
November 2, 2026: Boris Johnson will give a lecture at the University of Iowa.
2023: A conduct investigation found Johnson lied to the Commons.
2022: Johnson resigned from Parliament following misconduct allegations.
2020-2021: The Party-gate scandal occurred during COVID lockdowns.
2020: The United Kingdom officially exited the European Union.
Industry Dynamics
This visit follows a pattern set by the University of Iowa Center for Intellectual Freedom to bring speakers with diverse viewpoints to campus. The event highlights the growing role of university centers in facilitating high-profile political debates outside of standard electoral cycles.
Students and the public will have the opportunity to hear a former head of government speak directly at the Iowa Memorial Union. Attendees should monitor university communications for details regarding potential registration requirements or security protocols for the venue.
The takeaway
The event provides an opportunity for the campus community to engage with a prominent international political figure regarding his perspective on Western affairs. Attendees can prepare by reviewing the historical context of his tenure as Prime Minister to better evaluate his lecture topics.
Further reading
For more events of this nature, visit the Iowa City Lecture and Seminars section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Gazette.
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