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Even before Boris Johnson’s rollercoaster ride (2019–22), and the ensuing “blink and you missed it” premiership of Liz Truss, the high wastage-rate among Britain’s prime ministers was becoming a cause for concern. Between 1979 and 2007 Britain had just three heads of government: Margaret Thatcher (1979–90), John Major (1990–97) and Tony Blair (1997–2007). Over the next 17 years six politicians followed them in and out of Downing Street.
This book, which straddles more than 30 years of prime ministerial misadventures, poses questions about the underlying factors as well as the specific circumstances for individual departures. Is the role of prime minister just becoming too difficult to perform successfully? If so, why? Has there been a decline in calibre in the candidates holding office? In exploring how the famous entrance to number 10 Downing Street has become a revolving door, the book shines a fresh light on the nature of politics and political office in the UK today.
— John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons, 2009–19
Remember that you are mortal, slaves in ancient Rome would tell victorious generals. Downing Street Downfalls shows that the same is true of prime ministers, and in doing so provides a penetrating and acerbic analysis of recent British politics.
— Sir Vernon Bogdanor, Professor of Government, King's College, London
Few people know more about postwar British politics than Mark Garnett.
— Iain Dale, writer and broadcaster
Garnett combines intelligent and scholarly insights, analogies with Greek mythology and razor-sharp wit and satire … absolutely brilliant!
— Peter Dorey, Professor of British Politics, Cardiff University
1. The Martyrdom of St Margaret
2. The Misfortunes of Major
3. New Labour, New Failures
4. Cameron’s Comeuppance
5. May-hem
6. Boris Johnson and the Search for Love
7. Liz Truss and the Holiday from Reality
8. For Rishi for poorer
9. Conclusion