There had already been allegations in the press about some of Greensill’s investment schemes … With David Cameron on board, Greensill Capital attracted billions from investors. Their money was supposed to be safe. ibid.
Greensill made loans to businesses that were waiting to be paid for goods and services they had supplied to customers. But it didn’t use its own cash; the money for the loans was raised from investors, and Lex Greensill brought in a famous friend to drum up business. ibid.
The invoices simply didn’t exist. ibid.
The race to lead the nation: who are the men who could shape the future of Britain? And who has a plan to fix Brexit? … We are in the grip of a battle for number 10 … whether Boris Johnson or Jeremy Hunt will take the top job. Tonight: Who’s Our Next PM? ITV 2019
Over the course of her incredible reign the Queen has witnessed 14 prime ministers. It is the most important constitutional relationship in the United Kingdom. The Queen vs No 10, Channel 5 2020
At the start of their relationship Churchill had some reservations about the 51-year age difference between himself and the young Queen. ibid.
Standing up to Churchill was rare but the Queen often relied on him for sage advice. ibid.
Some did become her close fiends. ibid.
Ted Heath was the most musical of British prime ministers. But Heath was also one of the most controversial of prime ministers. A Very Singular Man: A Film Portrait of Edward Heath, BBC 1998
His singular personality often made him his own worst enemy. ibid.
Ted Heath was a prophet largely without honour in his own party. His critics have tried to airbrush him out of Tory history. And his record as prime minister is hotly disputed. ibid.
He’d come to power in 1970 promising to create one nation. ibid.
1937: He visited Nazi Germany … where he was to witness the Nuremberg rally. ibid.
He enjoyed the disciplined army life … He was put in charge of the firing squad … ‘I felt uneasy.’ ibid.
In 1947 Heath was selected as the Tory candidate for Bexley. ibid.
Within four years the organisation man was made chief whip. ibid.
Harold Wilson described him as a shiver looking for a spine to run up. ibid.
Heath had pulled off the biggest election upset of the century. ibid.
He was pledged to tame the trade unions, slash public spending and cut back the social services. ibid.
He was determined that this time he would at last take Britain into the Common Market. ibid.
His annus horribilis continued when he lost a second general election. ibid.
Once a week, throughout the Queen’s long reign, the Prime Minister of the day leaves Number 10 for the short drive to Buckingham Palace. What is discussed at their private audience is almost never made public … Spanning 8 decades and 14 premiers, Queen Elizabeth has seen Britain change beyond all recognition. The Queen & Her Prime Ministers, Channel 4 2021
In 1976 after 8 years in office, Wilson suddenly resigned, reportedly due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. He departed in little doubt he’d been one of the Queen’s favourite prime ministers. Both seasoned players in this unique piece of political theatre. ibid.
‘The truth is that politicians of all the main parties have spent quite a lot of time trying to win over editors, broadcasters, proprietors … Feral Beasts: Prime Ministers & the Media, Adam Boulton reporting, Dave Cameron before Commons committee, Sky Showcase 2022
We’re in a very difficult state for our democracy. I think the power of the mainstream media to scrutinise and hold to account government is being blunted. ibid.