I happen to think it’s the politics that makes you electable, but the reason for that is politicians sometimes talk about electability as if it’s just a matter of conning the public. Actually, it’s a matter of persuading the public, and in my experience, usually, the public gets it right.
The problem is some of the populism on both the far left and the far right, it can make a Tweet but not make a policy. And, you know, when you are dealing with issues that are as important and serious as this, I understand why people search for simple solutions.
The public think the politicians don’t know or care about their lives; and the politicians feel misunderstood.
Lord Cranborne told the leader of the opposition to ‘back me or sack me’ – he succeeded in doing both.
There is nothing like waking up at six in the morning and changing a baby’s nappy to bring you face to face with life’s reality.
The 21st century will not be about the battle between capitalism and socialism but between the forces of progress and the forces of conservatism.
If there are further steps to European integration, the people should have their say at a general election or in a referendum.
I think I made the wrong career choice.
This mass terrorism is the new evil in our world today.
The British people are the boss.
I have never pretended to be a great House of Commons man, but I pay the House the greatest compliment I can by saying that, from first to last, I never stopped fearing it.
Education, education, education.
The first big choice: a government with the strength to deliver stability, or a government that takes the country back to boom and bust.
Ah yes, liberal democrats unified as ever in opportunism and in error.
The Spanish PM rang me to say: ‘I have the support of only 4 per cent of the people.’ I said, ‘Crikey, that’s even less than think Elvis Presley is still alive.’
I think it is vitally important to study History. If we are going to lead Britain safely into the future, it is essential that we understand our country’s historical roots. If we can learn the lessons of the past, we will be able to avoid making mistakes in the future.
I hope that people know me well enough and realise that I would never do anything to harm the country or anything improper. I never have. I think most people who have dealt with me think I am a pretty straight sort of a guy.
When I started out as Prime Minister I wanted to please all the people all the time. By the end I was wondering if I pleased any of the people any of the time.
I couldn’t live with myself if I thought that these big strategic choices for my generation were there, and I wasn’t even making them – or I was making them according to what was expedient rather than what I actually thought was right.
The class war is over.