Prime Ministers

‘Heirs apparent’ in No. 10 and beyond – why career ascendancy patterns matter, and how

‘Heirs apparent’ in No. 10 and beyond – why career ascendancy patterns matter, and how

In Westminster-style democracies, it is not uncommon for prime ministers to assume office by inheriting the post outside of a general election. Ludger Helms assesses the performance of prime ministers who were previously ‘heirs apparent’ and finds that their prior experience does not tend to lead to success.