Presidents, Prime Ministers, Monarchs & Dictators
Global
Season One of ‘The Presidents & Prime Ministers brought to life all 55 of Britain's Prime Ministers through interviews with the authors of all 55 essays in Iain Dale’s book The Prime Ministers: Three Hundred Years of History. From the obscure 18th-century figures like the Earl of Shelburne and Henry Pelham to 20th-century titans like Churchill and Thatcher, these podcasts provide a much-needed reminder about their motivations, failures and achievements. Season Two, gives the same treatment to the 45 US Presidents from George Washington through to Joe Biden, with each episode featuring an interview with the author of the essay about a President in Iain Dale’s book ‘The Presidents’. Season Three contained interviews about the various and varied Irish Taoisigh, whilst the new Season 4 takes you through England and the UK's many Kings and Queens, as featured in Iain's book Kings and Queens: 1200 Years of English and British Monarchs. Season 5 looks at the life of 64 Dictators. Buy signed copies of ‘The Prime Ministers’, ‘The Presidents’ and 'Kings and Queens' & 'Dictators' at http://www.politicos.co.uk.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 18, 2021 • 30min
Earl Grey
Iain Dale talks to political historian Professor Gerry Hassan about the life and premiership of Earl Grey, Charles Grey, who was Prime Minister from 1830-34, and oversaw the introduction of the 1832 Reform Act and the 1833 Abolition of Slavery Act.
Oct 11, 2021 • 1h 35min
Margaret Thatcher
Julia Langdon, a political journalist and biographer, shares insights into the life of Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first female Prime Minister. The conversation dives into Thatcher's influential early years and her unexpected rise to power. With a focus on her duality as the 'Iron Lady' and the intricacies of her cabinet dynamics, they discuss her fashion choices as political tools and the impact of economic challenges during her tenure. Langdon also reflects on Thatcher's complex relationships with global leaders like Gorbachev and Reagan, highlighting her enduring legacy.
Oct 4, 2021 • 31min
George Canning
Iain Dale talks to Theo Barclay about the life and career of George Canning, who is our shortest serving Prime Minister, having chalked up a premiership lasting only 3 months in 1827.
Sep 27, 2021 • 47min
Earl of Rosebery
Iain Dale talks to social commentator, biographer and historian Leo McKinstry about the life and premiership of Archibald Primrose, better known as the fifth Earl of Rosebery, who served for only fifteen months as Prime Minister from March 1894 to June 1895.
Sep 24, 2021 • 1h 1min
Bonus: Steve Richards on the ‘Nearly Prime Ministers’
Iain Dale talks to Steve Richards about his book THE PRIME MINISTERS WE NEVER HAD: SUCCESS & FAILURE FROM BITLER TO CORBYN which features chapters on 11 politicians who didn’t quite make it to Number 10 – Rab Butler, Roy Jenkins, Barbara Castle, Denis Healey, Neil Kinnock, Michael Heseltine, Michael Portillo, Ken Clarke, David & Ed Miliband and Jeremy Corbyn.
Sep 20, 2021 • 1h 20min
John Major
Iain talks to biographer, journalist and historian Julian Glover about the life and career of John Major, who served for six and a half years as Prime Minister from November 1990 to May 1997.
Sep 13, 2021 • 22min
Duke of Devonshire
Iain Dale talks to Elaine Chalus, Professor British History at the University of Liverpool about the life and premiership of William Cavendish, 4th Duke of Devonshire who was Britain’s fifth Prime Minister but whose period in office was one of the shortest - only seven months from November 1756 to June 1757.
Sep 6, 2021 • 1h 2min
Harold Wilson
Iain Dale talks to Labour politician Nick Thomas-Symonds about the life and career of Harold Wilson who served as Prime Minister from 1964-70 and 1974-76.
6 snips
Aug 30, 2021 • 56min
Tony Blair
Join Lord Andrew Adonis, a prominent political figure and key commentator on Tony Blair's Premiership, as he delves into Blair's transformative journey from 1997 to 2007. Discover how Blair reshaped the Labour Party through strategic branding and major reforms like devolution. Adonis highlights the complexities of Blair's legacy, navigating pivotal moments such as the Iraq War and the influence of U.S. partnerships. Tune in for insights on leadership, immigration policies, and the evolving priorities of a Prime Minister in the modern era.
Aug 23, 2021 • 31min
Earl of Shelburne
Iain Dale talks to historian Dr Nigel Aston about the life and rather short premiership of William Petty, 2nd Earl of Shelburne. He was Britain’s 12th prime minister, who served for eight months from 1782 to 1783.
