David Lidington
The Diplomat
People, composure and the difficult conversation held well.
David Lidington is a seasoned politician known for his collaborative approach and respect for differing opinions. This interview highlights his emphasis on listening and building coalitions, particularly in the context of complex political challenges.
“Yeah, I'm very, very struck by William's books on Pitt the Younger and on Wilberforce. The chap I'd like to write about if I ever have time, it's a massive material, is William Sass or Lord Burley, who was effectively Elizabeth I prime minister, was as Burley Lord High Treasurer, but for about 40 years.”
“But a political chief operating officer. I mean, I have the chief executive of the civil service who's my permanent secretary. Each department actually places its own contracts and so on, but we trientry to ensure best practice. But then I also chair umpteen cabinet committees on behalf of the prime minister.”
“No, I think I don't think that that is a fair criticism. I think what is a fair criticism of successive British governments is that they have not explained sufficiently to British audiences and sometimes does not realise themselves that for most European countries, the EU has not been primarily about economics and building prosperity for…”
“Conservative Party started having elections for its leaders in 1965 only once in that time has the favourite won and that's when Michael Howard was unopposed after Ian Duncan Smith had to resign.”
Political Thinking with Nick Robinson — The David Lidington One
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