Episodes
| First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 20221003 | 20221005 (R4) |
The historian Steven Fielding explores one of the most rarified jobs in British politics: ex-Prime Minister. As Boris Johnson joins the five other former premiers, at the age of 58, Steve asks politicians, journalists, advisers and historians what ex-PMs should do - and how they actually approach this strange role in public life.
Since the Second World War, former Prime Ministers have engaged in Long Sulks, made Occasional Decisive Interventions and - in Margaret Thatcher's famous phrase - tried to be Back Seat Drivers. Only one - the man who was PM when Johnson was born - has ever returned as a minister. But, as Steve explores, the early twentieth century offers some more surprising precedents. So could Johnson ever return - and if not, what positive roles are open to him and his select band of colleagues, with their unique depth of experience at the top of British politics?
With: Laura Beers, Ken Clarke, Jon Davis, Leo McKinstry, Iain Duncan Smith, Nick Timothy, Stewart Wood
Producer: Phil Tinline
Historian Steven Fielding explores the political role of ex-prime ministers, then and now.
The historian Steven Fielding explores one of the most rarified jobs in British politics: ex-Prime Minister. As Boris Johnson joins the five other former premiers, at the age of 58, Steve asks politicians, journalists, advisers and historians what ex-PMs should do - and how they actually approach this strange role in public life.
Since the Second World War, former Prime Ministers have engaged in Long Sulks, made Occasional Decisive Interventions and - in Margaret Thatcher's famous phrase - tried to be Back Seat Drivers. Only one - the man who was PM when Johnson was born - has ever returned as a minister. But, as Steve explores, the early twentieth century offers some more surprising precedents. So could Johnson ever return - and if not, what positive roles are open to him and his select band of colleagues, with their unique depth of experience at the top of British politics?
With: Laura Beers, Ken Clarke, Jon Davis, Leo McKinstry, Iain Duncan Smith, Nick Timothy, Stewart Wood
Producer: Phil Tinline
Historian Steven Fielding explores the political role of ex-prime ministers, then and now.
| First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 20221003 | 20221005 (R4) |