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The Prime Ministers

Reflections on Leadership from Wilson to May

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The Prime Ministers

By: Steve Richards
Narrated by: Steve Richards
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About this listen

A landmark history of the men and women who have defined the UK's role in the modern world - and what makes them special - by a seasoned political journalist.

At a time of unprecedented political upheaval, this magisterial history explains who leads us and why. From Harold Wilson to Theresa May, it brilliantly brings to life all nine inhabitants of 10 Downing Street over the past 50 years, vividly outlining their successes and failures - and what made each of them special. Based on unprecedented access and in-depth interviews, and inspired by the author's BBC Radio 4 and television series, Steve Richards expertly examines the men and women who have defined the UK's role in the modern world and sheds new light on the demands of the highest public office in the land.

©2019 Steve Richards (P)2019 Audible, Ltd Europe Great Britain Leadership Management & Leadership Political Science Politics & Government World Business Thought-Provoking United Kingdom Socialism

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All stars
Most relevant
Brilliant and accessible analysis of the modern Prime Ministers. Fascinating and illuminating. Unfortunately, the sound quality is 'off' in two of the chapters. I have emailed audible about this.

Excellent analysis

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Very enjoyable listen, interesting throughout, and has given me pause for thought about some of those prime ministers that I’ve lived through.

Thought provoking

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This excellent book covers nine UK Prime Ministers in a 55 year period from Wilson to May. The times have undoubtedly changed since the 1960s and politicians are under considerably greater degrees of scrutiny from rolling 24 TV news and the echo chambers of social media. The characteristics of what is required to be a good, PM, however, are timeless. The best leaders (Wilson, Thatcher, Major and Blair) were able to articulate and explain their vision, generally enjoying the opportunity to perform and were in tune with the political rhythms of their times, those who failed (Heath, Callaghan, Brown, Cameron and May) were closed and obstinate.

Like a Greek tragedy, the downfall of each of the people that have lead the UK government is chronicled as their weaknesses are exposed and exploited. In most cases, it was their refusal to accept they were wrong that resulted in their demise. Thatcher was famously thrown out by her own party shortly after a landslide election victory as a result of her disastrous Poll Tax policy; Callaghan was the victim of the "winter of discontent" and could not tame the unions; Blair's downfall was involving the UK in a war in Iraq; Brown was tainted by the global economic crash and Heath, Major, Cameron and May were all victim of their various attempts to quell the dissatisfaction in the more rapid ranks Conservative party over the UK's relationship with Europe.

It is astounding that such diverse people could have the one thing in common that they have all been UK Prime Minister. This book will serve as a reminder that power is the ultimate test of character.

Power is the ultimate test of character

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Clearly an inherently dramatic topic, explored here by a master of his subject: Steve Richards is steeped in politics and political history. Occasionally, the delivery sounded a bit flat and might have benefited from a different narrator, but overall it was excellent.

Prime Fare

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Enjoyed it. Very detailed analysis of each one. Liked the referrals to previous Prime Minister's for comparison. A fair review of each one though perhaps not critical enough about Major. Might have missed it but Curry for instance seemed to have been generally off the menu. Apologies if that wasn't the case. Highly recommended.

detailed PM analysis

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