The Rest Is Politics: Leading 146. The Rise and Fall of The Conservative Party: Jeremy Hunt (Part 1)
201 snips
Aug 3, 2025 
Jeremy Hunt, former Chancellor and Health Secretary, shares insights from his extensive political career and discusses his past leadership ambitions. He delves into the challenges facing the NHS, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions and a more personalized approach to mental health care. The conversation touches on the tensions between funding public services and fostering economic growth, while also exploring the dynamics of political communication in today’s landscape. Tune in for Hunt’s candid views on leadership and the future of the Conservative Party.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Hunt's Leadership Bids Reflect Priorities
- Jeremy Hunt ran three leadership campaigns but failed each time, reflecting his own admission of lacking enough political hunger.
- He prioritizes family over ambition and acknowledges this as a reason for not winning leadership against Boris Johnson.
PMs Face Grim Career Endings
- British prime ministers' careers often end unhappily due to intense media and public pressure.
- The US model allows presidents to serve and then exit gracefully, a contrast that diminishes PM ambition in the UK.
Foreign Secretary China Gaffe
- Hunt mistakenly told Chinese officials his wife was Japanese, creating a media storm.
- The gaffe happened during his first trip as foreign secretary, despite careful preparation.
