I became eligible to vote in the summer of 2020 at the height of the pandemic. Since then I’ve seen four prime ministers occupy Downing Street: Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer. And after the Labour leader’s resignation today, it’s soon to be five.
In my 23 years there has been eight PMs, each arriving with promises of growth, stability or opportunity. For many older voters, that level of political turnover might feel extraordinary. Historically, Britain has been a beacon of political stability – and before 2016, many premiers served at least two terms. My grandparents talk about the Thatcher years, my parents about Cameron. I, however, have seen an iceberg lettuce last longer than Liz Truss.
This turnover is the defining political experience for my generation. We have entered adulthood during a period of almost constant upheaval. We officially left the EU six months before I turned 18; a global pandemic reshaped our education and social life; the cost of living has squeezed our finances; and the unemployment crisis leaves many of us struggling to even land a career. Through all of it, multiple prime ministers have occupied No 10, with not a single one lasting a full term.
