Westminster Insider
What ex-prime ministers do next
Sep 8, 2023
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.
48:58
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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