Leading 83. The Man Who Ran Downing Street
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Jun 30, 2024 
Former Cabinet Secretary Gus O’Donnell discusses the dynamics of Prime Ministers behind closed doors, the transition period for new PMs, the role of civil servants and special advisors, the influence of media on political debates, prioritizing wellbeing over GDP, and effective leadership transitions in government.
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Cameron's First Moments
- Gus O’Donnell describes greeting David Cameron at 10 Downing Street upon his election victory.
- The new PM’s first act is to decide how many people he is willing to kill in a nuclear strike.
Advice for Incoming PMs
- New prime ministers must be rested, but often aren't, due to the intensity of elections and immediate duties.
- Pace yourself and avoid making major decisions while fatigued, despite the urgent demands.
Working with the Civil Service
- Incoming Prime Ministers must prioritize a good working relationship with the civil service.
- Avoid actions that damage this trust, such as immediately dismissing key officials.