The Rest Is Politics: Leading 101. Alan Johnson: The Prime Minister We Never Had? (Part 1)
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Oct 6, 2024 
Alan Johnson, a long-serving Labour minister and bestselling memoirist, shares his compelling journey from a poverty-stricken childhood to the political arena. He reflects on how the bleak post-war years shaped modern Britain and discusses personal struggles, including family trauma and resilience through domestic violence. Johnson reveals the influence of writers like George Orwell on his political awakening. The conversation also delves into the complexities of left-wing politics in the 60s and 70s, exploring Harold Wilson's legacy and navigating the challenges within the Labour Party.
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Childhood in Slums
- Alan Johnson grew up in post-war London slums, marked by poverty and squalor.
- His childhood home lacked basic amenities like electricity, hot water, and a proper toilet.
Absent Father, Struggling Mother
- Johnson's father was abusive and absent, leaving when he was eight.
- His mother, burdened by illness and poverty, died when he was 13.
Sister as Guardian
- Johnson's sister, Linda, became his guardian at 16 after their mother's death.
- She fought for their rights, securing them a council flat.
