The Ageing Effect of Westminster Politics
Cleo Watson, a former deputy chief of staff to Boris Johnson, has spoken out about the profound impact that working in politics can have on one's physical and mental well-being. In a candid reflection, she describes how her time in Downing Street left her looking significantly older, but quitting has since made her appear eight years younger. Watson's experiences highlight the intense pressures faced by those in Westminster, from relentless workloads to constant anxiety.
Nightmares and Daily Struggles
Watson recalls a period during her tenure at No 10 where she experienced recurring nightmares. "I dreamed every night that Chris Grayling was hunting me from the skies, Hunger Games style," she says, illustrating the psychological toll. The daily grind was equally draining, with a wake-up alarm at 5:15 AM that she describes as "brisk, cheerful, and soul-destroying." Even hearing a similar ringtone now can trigger memories of that stressful era.
She compares politics to a never-ending Ironman Triathlon, interspersed with Olympic sprints, while carrying an elephant and reciting prime numbers and Shakespeare simultaneously. "Tennis ball machines catapult human excrement at you," she adds, painting a vivid picture of the chaotic environment. This constant strain, she argues, accelerates ageing, akin to "dog years" where one year in politics takes eight off you physically.
Examples from the Political Arena
Watson points to high-profile cases like Barack Obama, who visibly aged during his two terms as president. Closer to home, she worked in Theresa May's Downing Street from July 2017 to July 2019, noting that May looked exhausted upon her resignation in 2019. However, by 2022, May had rejuvenated, seen voting in a ballgown and now active in the House of Lords and academic institutions. Watson speculates on her skincare routine, emphasizing how leaving office can lead to a remarkable recovery.
The pressures include severe sleep deprivation, erratic meals, and the dread of political plots, which force the body into a perpetual fight-or-flight state. "It does things to a person's body and spirit," Watson asserts, explaining that this level of stress is unique to the political sphere.
Post-Politics Rejuvenation
Watson shares an anecdote about a former Conservative MP who left Parliament after the 2024 General Election. Despite taking on a demanding job at a multinational company, this ex-politician has undergone a dramatic transformation, appearing healthier and younger—almost like Benjamin Button. Watson notes that many former Tory MPs struggle to find work, but this individual's private sector role feels "comparatively soft" compared to government duties.
She likens former politicians to organs like livers or lungs, which can regenerate if action is taken in time. "Otherwise, they will eventually wither and blacken," she warns. The transition out of politics, though shocking for some, can be invigorating and restorative, attracting compliments and improving overall well-being.
Personal Reflections and Broader Implications
In her own life, Watson has embraced a healthier lifestyle post-politics, though she humorously notes getting sun and wind burn recently. She contrasts this with the former MP's involvement in seaside trends like saunas and cold-water swimming, which carry risks but also symbolize renewal. Watson concludes that while politicians face immense criticism, leaving the arena offers a chance for recovery and a return to youthfulness.
Cleo Watson co-hosts The Independent's politics podcast, In The Room, with ex-deputy cabinet secretary Helen MacNamara, sharing insights from her time in Westminster and beyond.
