Former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng discusses the 'emptiness' of leaving Downing Street. Jeremy Lee shares stories of ex-prime ministers on the search for riches. Political biographer Anthony Seldon talks about the history of former prime ministers. Tom McTague explores Tony Blair's Institute for Global Change. Annabelle Dickson tracks down Boris Johnson in Dallas.
Former prime ministers struggle with finding purpose and adjusting to life outside of politics, experiencing emptiness and numbness.
Post-Prime Minister paths vary greatly, with some building influential careers like Tony Blair, while others have more mixed experiences.
Deep dives
Post-Premiership Opportunities and Challenges
Former prime ministers face challenges in finding their next career path after leaving office. With the increasing trend of younger prime ministers, they struggle to adjust to life outside of politics and find a sense of purpose. While they have financial security, they often experience a sense of emptiness and numbness. Tony Blair stands out with his Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, which replicates a Downing Street-like setup. However, most former prime ministers make money through speaking engagements and book deals, often outside their own country. There is potential for them to have a more formalized and regulated role in public life, similar to the American presidential model.
Divergent Post-Prime Minister Paths
Post-Prime Minister paths vary greatly among former UK leaders. Winston Churchill exemplifies a disappointing retirement after spending his time in the French Riviera, indulging in the luxuries of life. On the other hand, Tony Blair has built a post-premiership career through his think tank, delivering speeches, and establishing his Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. Other former prime ministers, like Margaret Thatcher and John Major, have had more mixed experiences in their retirement, with Thatcher turning inward and Major involving himself in various causes. However, the general trend is for former prime ministers to search for purpose and influence after leaving office.
The Challenges of Finding a New Role
Former prime ministers face the challenge of finding a new role and purpose once they leave office. They often struggle with the sudden emptiness and the need to redefine themselves. Many of them seek to continue making an impact, but their options are influenced by their previous policies, public perception, and the state of the country. While some, like Gordon Brown, continue to be active in politics and tackle global issues, others, like Theresa May, have chosen different avenues, such as writing books and engaging in charitable endeavors. The diverse paths taken by former prime ministers reflect their personal aspirations and the opportunities available to them.
Mixture of Money-making and Public Service
Former prime ministers often engage in money-making endeavors after leaving office, such as book deals and lucrative speaking engagements. However, their post-premiership lives can also involve public service and engagement in important causes. Examples include Tony Blair's work in global change, Gordon Brown's involvement in international initiatives, and David Cameron's attempts at influencing political conversations. There is ongoing debate about the balance between financial gain and continuing to serve the public, with questions raised about the transparency and ethics of some income-generating activities. The choices made by former prime ministers in balancing money-making opportunities with public service reflect their personal values and circumstances.
In the week we marked the first anniversary of Liz Truss taking office — and Boris Johnson leaving Downing Street — host Aggie Chambre explores what former prime ministers do next with their lives.
Former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, fired by Truss 38 days into her 45 day premiership, talks of the “emptiness” and “numbness” that comes with leaving Downing Street, and how he felt “let down” by his old friend.
Speaking agency founder Jeremy Lee, recently retired, is gloriously indiscreet as he regales Aggie with stories of his conversations with ex-prime ministers seeking riches down the years.
Political biographer Anthony Seldon takes Aggie through the history of former prime ministers, and how the role has changed since Winston Churchill’s Champagne-fueled heyday.
Unherd journalist Tom McTague explores Tony Blair’s increasingly powerful Institute for Global Change, while POLITICO’s Annabelle Dickson tells tales of tracking down Boris Johnson in downtown Dallas.