Kwasi Kwarteng
The Strategist
The long view, patient, analytical, playing several moves ahead.
Kwasi Kwarteng is a former UK Chancellor who reflects on his experiences and the historical influences that shaped his political views. This interview reveals his strategic thinking as he navigates complex political landscapes and articulates a vision for the future of the Conservative Party.
“So, I think I just felt I didn't quite have the sort of energy to do. Because this is the thing. This is a 24-7 culture. I also was very worried about what the parliament, and we could talk about that as well. I mean, the party, the state of the party. And a friend of mine who's an MP said, I'm not worried about losing.”
“Well, I think in terms of, I think Blair probably is Blair the first of the list of the last seven? I mean, he was there the longest and probably had the most impact. Contested legacy, but had the most impact. I think Cameron was up there. I think Boris is in a space of his own.”
“He's not quite that. I mean, he's not, you know, he's okay, but he's not gifted in that way. Very analytical, very bright. And what I was really impressed with about him was his temperament. And that comes from all sorts of things. That comes from his Hindu faith, his family, his man of means. We can't be coy about that.”
“Absolutely. He's not really. But that's like in any political thing. I mean, you mentioned Iraq. It's exactly the same. There are people who are still fuming about that. But I don't think time, I think the new government, if there is a new government, I think the problems of growth, a lot of the fundamental problems will still be around.”
The Rest Is Politics: Leading — 73. Kwasi Kwarteng: Boris Johnson, the British Empire, and Rwanda (Part 1)
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