Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards Alan Johnson on Wilson, Blair and Starmer
Mar 31, 2026
Alan Johnson, former cabinet minister and biographer of Harold Wilson, offers brisk reflections on three transformative Labour leaders. He contrasts Wilson’s personal sacrifices, Blair’s international interventions and the shadow of Iraq, and Keir Starmer’s limited political apprenticeship and fragile team. Short, sharp stories from Johnson’s time in Blair’s government bring the history to life.
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Blair's Modernisation Was Cautious
- Tony Blair projected modernisation yet governed cautiously, especially economically.
- The 1997 manifesto's pledges were incremental, reflecting fear of slipping politically with a 'Ming vase' metaphor for fragile trust.
Gordon Brown Abolished Outriders On Day One
- Alan Johnson recalls Gordon Brown abolishing Downing Street outriders and delaying a hospital visit.
- The car trip to Kingston Hospital took 45 minutes because Brown removed security outriders on his first day as Prime Minister.
Blair's Iraq Path Began With 9/11 And The UN
- Blair felt compelled to align with the US after 9/11, which helped lead to Iraq.
- He pushed for UN Resolution 1441 and argued for being with the US, a step that ultimately made withdrawal politically very difficult.