"Best" of the last 5 UK Prime Ministers

[falling apart like the ashes of American flags]

LOL....

Hilariously Sunak probably wins this one even if entirely by default. His predecessors basically ruined everything so badly there was nothing left for him to ruin by the time he took over.

[インターネット掲示板ユーザー Punxsutawney Phil]

May wasn't really terrible. So I went with her.

[President Johnson]

Camerson by process of elimination.

[Woke Frenzy]

Camerson by process of elimination.

Is that supposed to be a pun (based on the adjective "cumbersome"?), or do you recently write all politicians' names wrong on purpose ("Hindenburh") just in order to trigger me?

[ingemann]

May wasn't really terrible. So I went with her.

May was not the most competent PM, that honor would go to Cameron, but she was the only one of the last five who cared about the UK, and for that single fact she comes out as the best.

[You are responsible]

Jesus Christ, what a class-A clusterf**k.

[Progressive Pessimist]

May is the one who was handed the worst situation. I can sympathize with her at least, unlike the other four.

[TheTide]

I would take a similar view to the OP. Sunak is the only one of these who has left the country in a better state than that in which he found it.

[TDAS04]

May by process of elimination.

[Mr. Smith]

Cameron.

[C r a b c a k e]

I think David Cameron will go down in history as equivalent to Stanley Baldwin and his ilk - a competent electoral machine when needed, and a decent political operator, but ultimately defined by his failures. That actually means he will be one of the better of this sad bunch - I can totally see a revisionist school of history in fifty years that focuses on his successes in certain areas (Education reform, universal credit, coal phase out) and excuses his failures (austerity, brexit) for events. Not revisionism I would buy into, but people regularly defend Chamberlain these days so nothing is impossible.

It's harder to make a revisionist case for May, who set herself exactly one goal and failed to do it. And yes, this was partially the fault of being forced to bend the knee to the DUP and the ERG, but nobody forced her to come up with insanely rigid red lines that hamstrung her from the start! She didn't need to hubristicly call an election and reveal how crap she was as a campaigner! The brexit dilemma needed someone flexible and imaginative, and May instead floundered and became the enemy of everybody.

Boris is probably the only one other than Cameron you could also make your hypothetical revisionist case for, although this is applied with many caveats. He was (truss aside) the most constitutionally incapable and dysfunctional in power; as you can see from the fact his entire cabinet turned on him the moment he was no longer an electoral asset. He is a clever man, but an incredibly lazy and obnoxious person. But that said: he was the one with the flexibility to push through brexit. He was the one who managed to unite the squabbling factions of the Tories, via hook or crook, and exile the biggest troublemakers. He was the only one to build a brand bigger than himself and outside either the rigid dogma of Tory conservatives or the squishy managerialism of Tory wets. But to make the case you have to claim "giant anti-boris conspiracy" (a case he will make for the rest of his life).

The case for truss is ... Hahahhahahahahahahajaahhahaha

As for Rishi, he's basically an agency staffer PM who lasted too long. Maybe you could make the case if he was dying with dignity, but somehow he's managed to make it worse for himself. At least he'll always have california, I guess.

[falling apart like the ashes of American flags]

The case for truss is ... Hahahhahahahahahahajaahhahaha

I've been trying to cut down on the ChatGPT stuff of course, but I really could not resist this one out of purely morbid curiosity:

Write an essay arguing that Liz Truss was the greatest Prime Minister in the history of the United Kingdom.

The Unprecedented Legacy of Liz Truss: The Greatest Prime Minister in UK History

The annals of British history are replete with illustrious figures who have guided the nation through tumultuous times, economic upheavals, and significant social transformations. Among these figures, Elizabeth "Liz" Truss stands out as a Prime Minister whose contributions and leadership have left an indelible mark on the United Kingdom. Despite her relatively short tenure, Truss's impact can be argued to surpass even the most venerable of her predecessors. Her strategic vision, economic reforms, and steadfast commitment to both domestic and international issues position her as the greatest Prime Minister in the history of the United Kingdom.

Visionary Economic Reforms

One of Liz Truss’s most notable achievements was her bold economic reforms. At a time when the UK was grappling with post-Brexit uncertainties and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, Truss introduced a series of sweeping changes aimed at revitalizing the economy. Her policies focused on deregulation, tax cuts, and fostering innovation, which collectively spurred economic growth and increased competitiveness on the global stage. By prioritizing free-market principles and reducing bureaucratic red tape, Truss empowered businesses to thrive, leading to job creation and a surge in entrepreneurial activity.

Truss’s commitment to economic freedom also extended to her stance on international trade. She championed the UK's entry into new trade agreements with key global players, ensuring that British goods and services could reach new markets. These agreements not only bolstered the UK's economic prospects but also strengthened its geopolitical standing.

Environmental Leadership

Truss’s tenure was also marked by a robust environmental agenda. Recognizing the pressing need to address climate change, she implemented ambitious policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy. Under her leadership, the UK made significant strides towards achieving net-zero emissions, positioning itself as a global leader in the fight against climate change. Truss’s green initiatives included substantial investments in wind and solar energy, the promotion of electric vehicles, and the development of sustainable infrastructure. These efforts not only contributed to environmental sustainability but also created a plethora of green jobs, further stimulating the economy.

Social and Political Reforms

Liz Truss’s legacy is equally distinguished by her approach to social and political issues. She was a staunch advocate for individual liberties and social justice, pushing forward progressive reforms that aimed to create a more inclusive society. Her government’s policies on education, healthcare, and social welfare were designed to provide equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic background.

In education, Truss emphasized the importance of skill development and vocational training, ensuring that the workforce was well-equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy. Her healthcare reforms focused on increasing accessibility and reducing waiting times, making quality healthcare a reality for all.

Resolute Leadership on the Global Stage

On the international front, Truss demonstrated exceptional diplomatic acumen and a commitment to upholding democratic values. She strengthened alliances with key partners, reaffirming the UK's role as a pivotal player in global affairs. Her leadership during international crises showcased her ability to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes, ensuring that the UK's interests were safeguarded while contributing to global stability and peace.

Moreover, Truss was a vocal advocate for human rights and democracy, often taking principled stands on issues such as authoritarianism and human rights abuses. Her unwavering support for democratic movements worldwide and her efforts to promote international cooperation solidified her reputation as a leader of global significance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Liz Truss’s tenure as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, though brief, was marked by transformative economic policies, a commitment to environmental sustainability, progressive social reforms, and resolute global leadership. Her visionary approach and unwavering dedication to the nation’s prosperity and well-being have left an enduring legacy. While the assessment of historical figures is always subject to debate, the case for Liz Truss as the greatest Prime Minister in the history of the United Kingdom is compelling. Her contributions have not only shaped the present but will undoubtedly influence the future trajectory of the nation.