Former No 10 Aide Reveals How to Spot a Prime Minister's Final Days
Every occupant of Number 10 Downing Street instinctively knows when their time is running out, according to Cleo Watson, a former deputy chief of staff. The atmosphere within the iconic building shifts palpably, signaling impending political doom. For Keir Starmer, this unsettling reality may be just beginning, as Labour faces significant challenges, including a devastating by-election defeat.
The Unmistakable Signs of Decline
Watson, who worked in Theresa May's political office from July 2017, recalls being warned that her job might last only weeks after a disastrous general election result. Despite clinging to power for two more years, each day felt like a countdown. The oppressive environment inside Number 10 was overwhelming, with every action viewed through the lens of the government's eventual collapse.
Junior staff members are often the first to sense trouble, whether through increased media scrutiny, frantic orders to rally support, or the strained reassurances from senior officials. Watson describes fielding calls from Brexit-obsessed MPs and shredding letters from individuals seeking peerages, highlighting the chaotic backdrop of a failing administration.
Historical Parallels and By-Election Woes
During her tenure, Watson witnessed five by-elections and two sets of local elections, none as damaging as the recent Gorton and Denton result for Labour. She compares May's final days to the decline of Nuts magazine, marked by dwindling popularity and internal strife. Similarly, Liz Truss's brief premiership evoked the cult-like failure of Theranos, while Boris Johnson's exit mirrored the disastrous Fyre Festival.
The collapse of a government is not just political but deeply personal, Watson notes. With many staff members married or related, the blurring of private and professional lives exacerbates the stress. Starmer's attempt to maintain work-life balance, such as avoiding late Friday hours, becomes untenable during crises like Middle East conflicts.
The Cycle of Doom and Its Consequences
As panic sets in, leaders often retreat into comfort zones, hiring friends without due process and reacting hastily to media and polling. Watson counts 16 U-turns in the current government, illustrating a reactive rather than strategic approach. Junior employees, left to monitor social media and update their CVs, symbolize the broader disillusionment.
Ultimately, the signs are clear: when the air in Downing Street changes, it heralds the end of an era. For Starmer, the journey ahead may be fraught with similar challenges, as the lessons from past administrations loom large.
