Hodder confirms Boris Johnson book delay

Hodder & Stoughton has confirmed Boris Johnson's biography "will not be published for the foreseeable future". 

Shakespeare: The Riddle of Genius had been slated for publication in October, coinciding with the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death, but, according to the Daily Mail, Johnson "conceded he doesn’t have the time" to write it.

Johnson, who spearheaded the campaign in favour of Brexit, was made foreign secretary last week by new prime minister Theresa May.

H&S has not confirmed whether it is seeking return of the advance, estimated at around £90,000 by the Press Association, rather less than the £500,000 reported by the Sunday Times in November, and repeated by the Daily Mail today.

Johnson will also be discontinuing his column for The Daily Telegraph, according to a spokesperson for the politician. “Whilst Mr Johnson has enjoyed a close working relationship with The Daily Telegraph for over 20 years, it would not be appropriate for him to continue writing his long-standing column for the newspaper given his new role as foreign secretary," the spokesperson said. "It is expected that he will continue to write occasional comment pieces for a range of publications in his role as foreign secretary."