Inside No 10: David Cameron - The First Six Months (Part 1: Prime Minister at last)

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Dec 30, 2024

David Cameron, the former UK Prime Minister, shares his surreal experience stepping into No 10 for the first time. He discusses the emotional complexities of forming a coalition government and the unique responsibilities, like letters of last resort. The pressure of Prime Minister's Questions is explored, revealing the scrutiny faced by new leaders. Cameron reflects on the challenges of adaptability in crises and the importance of teamwork in navigating national governance, providing an insightful look into his early days in office.

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ANECDOTE

Unexpected Transition

David Cameron felt relief after the 2010 election due to uncertainty about forming a government.
The sudden resignation of Gordon Brown prompted a hurried trip to the palace.

ANECDOTE

Out-of-Body Experience

David Cameron had an "out-of-body experience" driving to Buckingham Palace after Gordon Brown's resignation.
Despite aiming for the position, he couldn't believe it was happening.

INSIGHT

Swift Transition of Power

The transition of power in Britain is swift, occurring within minutes, unlike the US.
This speed was highlighted by the empty seats in Downing Street previously occupied by Labour's team.

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What’s it really like to step through the black door of No 10 for the first time as Prime Minister? Ed Balls and George Osborne ask David Cameron about his “out-of-body” experience on the way to the palace, plus what it’s like organising a staff team who have just had to say goodbye to a government. They discuss how to handle the top job when life starts relentlessly throwing events at you, the surprising tasks - like letters of last resort - that suddenly become your responsibility, and whether a ruthless streak is the only way to succeed.

As Keir Starmer marks six months as Prime Minister, Political Currency is stepping back into 2010, when another former leader of the opposition took up the premiership. Across three episodes, Ed Balls and George Osborne are joined by David Cameron - from the moment he arrived at Downing Street, to dealing with a hostage crisis; taking on his first PMQs to the emotional loss of his father. This is Cameron as you’ve never heard him before - in conversation with both a former ally and adversary as they revisit the political moments that shaped a new government and a new leader.

If you’ve listened to the first episode of Inside Number 10: David Cameron - The First Six Months and can’t wait for part 2, don’t!

All episodes are already available, ad-free for Political Currency Gold subscribers, with bonus content coming later this week. And, you can now join Political Currency’s KITCHEN CABINET to enjoy early and ad-free listening, access to live EMQs recordings, and exclusive Political Currency merch.

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Producers: Rosie Stopher, James Shield and John Rogers

Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty and Mikey Nissenbaum

Production Support: Miriam Hall and Caillin McDaid

Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford and Dino Sofos

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