The frequent turnover of British Prime Ministers over the past ten years has been attributed to deep divisions stemming from Brexit and leaders assuming office without clear strategies, according to experts.
With Keir Starmer expected to step down from his position at No10, the UK is on track to have its seventh PM in a decade, potentially being Andy Burnham. Starmer’s resignation announcement this week could pave the way for the former Greater Manchester Mayor to take over without a contest.
This succession follows a period of political turmoil, with Conservative leaders like David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, and Liz Truss all facing premature exits from office. The lack of party discipline was a common theme among these leaders, with Brexit being a significant disruptive force as Parliament grappled with the referendum outcome.
Polling expert Sir John Curtice indicated that while Brexit played a role in the upheaval, the failure to maintain party unity was a key factor in the decline of these leaders’ support. The challenges faced by each leader varied, from Brexit-related issues to concerns about honesty and fiscal policies.
Despite the cycle of changing PMs, Sir John expressed optimism about Andy Burnham’s potential to bring positive change. Burnham’s ability to connect with people on an emotional level was highlighted as a valuable quality in politics.
Hannah White, CEO at the Institute for Government, suggested that recent PMs lacked a clear vision for addressing the country’s issues, contributing to the ongoing crisis. She emphasized the importance of leaders having well-thought-out plans and policy programs to drive meaningful change.
Former Tory Justice Secretary Sir Robert Buckland, reflecting on his experiences under past Prime Ministers, emphasized the importance of having a solid plan in place for effective governance. He noted the evolving landscape of political communication and the need for politicians to adapt to the changing media environment to succeed.
In discussions with Labour MPs dissatisfied with Starmer’s leadership, concerns were raised about the government’s failure to prioritize popular policies and engage effectively with lawmakers. There is optimism surrounding Burnham’s leadership style, with expectations of enhanced discipline and improved communication with party members.
