Marking 300 years since the office of the first British prime minister, discover the extraordinary story of how and why the office of prime minister (PM) has endured longer than any other democratic political office in world history.

This talk will examine some of the stories and questions behind the office. Why did the office of PM emerge when it did in 1721? How has the office survived for 300 years? Is it still the same office? Has the office become more or less powerful? How should we categorise prime ministers? Who have been the most successful and why?

About the speaker

Sir Anthony Seldon is one of Britain’s leading contemporary historians, educationalists, commentators and political authors as well as the national authority on all matters to do with Number 10 and Prime Ministers. He is the honorary historian at Number 10 Downing Street, chair of The National Archives Trust, and has interviewed virtually all those who have worked in Number 10 in the last 50 years.

What’s Online is a series of talks and events delivered by our experts and special guests. Talks last approximately 30-40 minutes, followed by a 15 minute Q&A.

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