Thoughts of past Tory prime ministers also taking office at times of national crisis will likely be playing on the mind of No 10’s newest occupant
Even the most assured of all-conquering politicians, a Churchill, Thatcher or a cocky young Blair, relishing their long-imagined moment of arrival at the top of Disraeli’s “greasy pole” of power, feels a sense of awe at the hallowed rituals of the day: the drive to the palace, the kissing of the royal hand, the entry through the big black door, the snappers on the pavement outside, inside the staff’s wary applause.
Which of them could not be aware of the burdens of history now falling on them. In war and peace, crisis and calm, they have fallen on every prime minister since the canny Norfolk squire, Robert Walpole, first established the de facto office, became its longest occupant (1721-42) and in 1732 occupied the jerry-built terraced house in Downing Street, handily across the park from King George II who gave it to him. Many prime ministers have disliked the place – and still do.
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Sig Nordal 