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Why has the UK had so many prime ministers this decade?

Why has the UK had so many prime ministers this decade?

Regular panellists Rana Mitter and Hannah Skoda are joined by journalist, author and documentary-maker Phil Tinline, who explores the roles that technology, devolution and a sense of disenfranchisement have played in this story of Kier Starmer's resignation – and the instability that has given the UK seven PMs in ten years

Matt Elton

Published: July 2, 2026 at 7:16 AM

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The news of Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as prime minister and leader of the Labour Party means that the UK is set to have its seventh PM in ten years. But what are the historical factors that have led to this instability? And what comparisons can we meaningfully draw to the political unrest of previous decades, including the 1920s and 1970s?

In this episode, regular panellists Rana Mitter and Hannah Skoda are joined by journalist, author and documentary-maker Phil Tinline, who explores the roles that technology, devolution and a sense of disenfranchisement have played in this story – and the key moments that we might otherwise overlook.

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Authors

Matt EltonPodcast editor

Matt Elton is the podcast editor at HistoryExtra