The office of Prime Minister has endured longer than any other democratic political office in the history of the world. This year marks 300 years since Sir Robert Walpole, the man widely considered to be the country’s first Prime Minister took power. Since then, 55 individuals have served the country as the Cabinet’s ‘First Among Equals’.
Leading voices on the 300th anniversary, Iain Dale and Sir Anthony Seldon, will explore the history of the office in this wide-ranging discussion that will shine a light on the varied challenges that have faced occupants past and present. In addition to charting how the role has evolved, they will consider to what extent you can compare the office throughout the centuries and examine what it takes to be a successful Prime Minister.
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About the speakers
Iain Dale is an award-winning broadcaster and presenter of the Evening Show on LBC Radio. He is the author or editor of more than 30 books and co-host of the For the Many podcast and the Iain Dale Book Club podcast. He was named Radio Presenter of the Year for 2013 and 2016 and is the former Managing Director of Biteback Publishing. He hosts the theatre show Iain Dale All Talk. He also edited The Prime Ministers (2020), a compilation of essays on all 55 former Prime Ministers.
Anthony Seldon is a leading authority on contemporary British history and education and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham. He was formerly Master of Wellington College, one of the world’s most famous independent schools. He is author or editor of over 40 books on contemporary history, politics and education and is the honorary historical advisor to 10 Downing Street. He is also the author of The Impossible Office (2021).
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