The Rest Is Politics: Leading 147. I Thought It Was a Prank - Then I Was Chancellor: Jeremy Hunt (Part 2)
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Aug 10, 2025 
Former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt shares his insights from navigating the fallout of the Liz Truss mini-budget collapse and the challenges of running for a Conservative party he knew would likely lose. He reflects on Thatcher's potential responses to Trump and explores the critical intersection of mental health and the benefits system, advocating for increased NHS funding. Hunt also discusses the balance of taxation, public service reform, and effective political messaging in a rapidly changing landscape, highlighting international models for better healthcare.
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From Thatcherite To Public-Services Conservative
- Jeremy Hunt began as a card-carrying Thatcherite at university.
- He later prioritised decent, high-quality public services as a core conservative belief.
Ambition Requires Relentless Hunger
- Jeremy Hunt admits he lacked the ruthless hunger needed to win party leadership.
- He cites family priorities and being a Remainer as key limits on his ambition.
Why He Reluctantly Dropped PM Ambition
- Jeremy Hunt says the prime minister's job is a miserable, corrosive role that harms mental health.
- He explains seeing past premiers end 'in tears' reduced his appetite for the top job.