The Rest Is History

246. The Fall of Liz Truss

Oct 22, 2022
Liz Truss's rapid resignation sparks a lively debate on her legacy and whether she's the worst Prime Minister in history. The hosts dive into the chaotic nature of her brief tenure and the implications of current political instability. They explore Britain's economic crossroads and the shadow of 1970s crises. With humorous reflections on leadership, they question the brilliance myth while highlighting how personal history shapes political success. Expect playful banter about political futures and peerage prospects!
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ANECDOTE

Shortest Premiership

  • Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss Liz Truss's resignation and her short-lived premiership.
  • They compare her to George Canning, the previous record holder for the shortest term, and discuss the Earl of Bath's even shorter term.
INSIGHT

Unprecedented Failure

  • Liz Truss's resignation is unprecedented in modern British history due to her rapid and humiliating implosion.
  • Her lack of qualifications for the role and the public nature of her failures make it a unique case.
ANECDOTE

Sacrificing Favorites

  • Truss and Kwarteng's close friendship and Kwarteng's dismissal resemble historical patterns of powerful figures sacrificing favorites.
  • Sandbrook compares this to Charles I and Edward II being forced to get rid of their favorites.
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