Sir Anthony Seldon: Ten things a Prime Minister should do – or not do

What makes a good premiership? 

The Institute for Government was delighted to welcome Sir Anthony Seldon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham.

As Winston Churchill said: 'In war you can be killed only once; in politics, many times.' How should the Prime Minister set out to achieve what she or he intends? Has the rise of populist politics changed the job? Drawing on his unrivalled perspective as a leading contemporary historian and historical adviser to 10 Downing Street, Sir Anthony Seldon offered his view of how to be a good modern premier, how to avoid the pitfalls and clinch the successes.

The event was chaired by Bronwen Maddox, Director of the Institute for Government. Sir Anthony Seldon’s speech was followed by questions from Bronwen and a Q&A with the audience.

Sir Anthony Seldon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham since 2015, is a leading historian, educationalist, commentator and political author. He was head of Brighton College and of Wellington College, two of Britain's leading independent schools. He is author of more than 40 books on contemporary history, including the inside book on the last four Prime Ministers, politics and education, was the co-founder and first director of the Centre for Contemporary British History, is co-founder of Action for Happiness, honorary historical adviser to 10 Downing Street, chair of the National Comment Awards, a member of the Government’s First World War Culture Committee, and a governor of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

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