Sir John Major has cautioned Britain against the trend of frequently changing prime ministers, accusing modern politicians of treating politics as a "game show" while neglecting long-term challenges.
In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live and Newsnight, the former Conservative prime minister argued that leaders are avoiding tough decisions on issues like healthcare, pensions, and climate change, leaving them for future generations to handle. He emphasized that "the best aphrodisiac in politics is hope" and warned that a reluctance to address difficult problems "demeans politics."
Major, who served as prime minister from 1990 to 1997, expressed his view that constant changes at the top are harmful. He referenced the U.S. system of a two-term limit as a sensible approach, though he refrained from giving direct advice to current Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
The former PM also criticized the rise of professional politicians, noting that Labour MPs used to include working-class individuals closely connected to their constituents. Now, he said, they are "much younger, much better educated, and in my judgement, much less close to their constituents." He similarly lamented the absence of businessmen and military veterans on the Conservative benches.
Major called on young people to enter politics, warning that if the country's talent focuses solely on personal wealth, "we are in deep doodah."
He further argued that governments have lost the ability to say no to voter demands for increased spending, saying it is not a "game show" but a responsibility to leave a better world for the next generation.