On the day Margaret Thatcher resigned, Robert Fisk's teacher wheeled a television into the classroom, and he watched political history unfold. For the next eight prime ministers, he watched their speeches live, remembering each vividly. But when Keir Starmer resigned on Monday, Fisk was asleep, emerging an hour later to learn the news on social media.
Fisk, who has incurable bowel cancer, had spent much of the previous week in hospital undergoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy, leaving him exhausted. He wrote, 'It was just because, as someone with incurable bowel cancer, I'd spent a lot of time in hospital the previous week, including having chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and I was very tired.'
Cancer's impact on witnessing history
Bowel cancer has caused Fisk to miss many events since his diagnosis three years ago, including Starmer's resignation. He reflected on how a tearful person behind a lectern has punctuated his existence. When David Cameron resigned a decade ago after the Brexit vote, Fisk was a politics reporter, covering every detail—the lectern, Cameron's suit, the economic impact, and reactions from allies and Nigel Farage.
He recalled, 'It was a busy time, and I don't recall having a proper day off or night's sleep for weeks.' In contrast, when Rishi Sunak faced his first PMQs in October 2022, Fisk was delighted to hear cheers from Daily Star reporters referencing Liz Truss's lettuce-related downfall.
Fighting cancer as a full-time job
Now, Fisk's main job is fighting cancer. Instead of witnessing political history, he thinks about the final date on his gravestone. Statistics suggest he has two years left to live, making the next prime minister likely the last he will ever see. He wrote, 'I realise that the next person to go to Buckingham Palace to ask the King's permission to form a government will likely be the last British prime minister I ever see.'
Fisk expressed hope for the next leader, noting the recent string of prime ministers. He dismissed the notion that having five prime ministers since David Cameron creates instability, arguing that bad leaders should be removed quickly. With Andy Burnham tipped as a potential successor, Fisk joked about the Daily Star comparing his longevity to a beetroot—hardier than a lettuce but an acquired taste.
