Balancing Act: Can Prime Ministers Truly ‘Ringfence’ Family Time?

Can a prime minister truly set aside dedicated family time?

A workplace psychologist explained to Sky News that Sir Keir Starmer’s remarks on maintaining a balance between work and personal life highlight the importance of downtime for optimal job performance.

Journalist Lara Keay

Tuesday, July 2, 2024, 3:

Sir Keir Starmer pledged that, should he become Prime Minister, he would conclude his official duties by 6pm on Fridays to dedicate time to his family. In response, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak countered by stating that he has never ended his workday at that hour while in office.

When questioned whether he would reserve Friday evenings for spending time with his family, the leader of the Labour Party responded, "Generally, that is the case, although there are some exceptions."

The Conservative Party recently posted on Twitter: "Keir Starmer has declared that he would end his workday at 6pm if elected as prime minister. You deserve more than a part-time leader."

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Sir Keir mentioned that he was speaking about just one day per week when he spoke to Virgin Radio, stating, "I reject the idea that avoiding fatherly duties and leisure time with your children makes you a better decision-maker. On the contrary, it aids me."

Can one simultaneously manage familial responsibilities and govern a nation?

'Extended working hours reduce efficiency'

Professor Alexandra Beauregard of Birkbeck Business School, who specializes in organizational psychology, affirms that the answer is indeed yes.

The leader of the Labour Party acknowledges the importance of rest and recovery for optimal work performance, she explains to Sky News.

Working extended hours can lead to reduced effectiveness and lower productivity.

"Numerous corporate environments overlook the fact that long hours at the office don't necessarily reflect superior work performance or productivity. Working 60-hour weeks isn't a definite indicator of dedication; it's more likely a sign that the team is short on staff or lacking in efficiency."

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According to her, Sir Keir's strategy aligns with studies indicating that following periods of remote work and managing their children’s education at home during the pandemic, fathers have been more engaged with their children.

"Many individuals tend to overestimate their own significance, and it’s refreshing to observe that Sir Keir avoids this trap of self-promotion," notes Professor Beauregard.

What about other past leaders?

David Cameron

The ex-leader of the Conservative party stated that during his tenure, his alarm was set to ring at 5:45 in the morning.

He mentioned that he would head directly to the kitchen table to begin reviewing his 'red box,' which is filled with important documents by the prime minister's office each night.

While residing at Downing Street, Lord Cameron and his spouse, Samantha, were parents to three young kids. In an interview with Stylist magazine, the ex-Prime Minister shared that they used to prepare breakfast for their children each morning.

"He mentioned that things tend to get hectic when everyone is preparing for school and work."

He mentioned that in the evenings, he often prepared meals for his family, attended receptions at Downing Street, or participated in voting sessions in the Commons, which could extend well into the night.

When asked by Stylist about his time in the Number 10 residence, he shared, "Whenever work allows, I seize the opportunity to watch some TV with the children. Nancy, my daughter, and I are big fans of the Great British Bake Off."

According to one of his biographies, he often spent weekends at Chequers relaxing with his family and enjoying "three or four glasses of wine" post-lunch, if his responsibilities allowed it.

Profile: Nick C

As Deputy Prime Minister in the 2010-2015 coalition government, Nick Clegg's schedule was probably nearly as busy as that of Prime Minister Cameron.

He shared with The Independent upon his election in 2010 that both had connected through their shared commitment to being active fathers.

"I consider myself fortunate that David Cameron has young children," he shared with the publication.

He mentioned that they decided to postpone the weekly Tuesday morning cabinet meetings to enable both of them to drop their children off at school.

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When questioned about achieving the proper equilibrium, he responded, "I make an effort – I haven't quite nailed it yet – to do my best to drop the kids off at school," and mentioned that he walks with them whenever feasible.

Mr. Clegg, a father of three young children while in the coalition, mentioned that he was "very strict" about turning down dinner invitations so he could consistently return home to tuck his children into bed.

A previous communications director for the Liberal Democrats mentioned that his team would begin their day at 5 in the morning to get ready for the daily news briefing at 7:30 am.

Tony Blair

Throughout his decade-long tenure at Downing Street, Sir Tony Blair was the father to four young children.

Reports suggest that his day began at 6:30 am and concluded at 11:00 pm. However, similar to numerous leaders before him, he frequently reviewed papers while in bed.

He scheduled a morning meal with his kids before school, fitting it in after a 7am call with an assistant and before a 9am session with his chief of staff.

According to The Guardian, upon returning to his apartment, he would eat dinner, spend time with his kids, and then head to the gym.

Gordon Brown, who followed him, had a habit of rousing his advisers early in the morning with policy inquiries.

Siesta Time for Past Conservative Leaders

While it doesn't necessarily indicate anything about their parenting methods, multiple past Conservative prime ministers have chosen to take naps during their workday to help them cope.

Biographers of Sir Winston Churchill note that he frequently indulged in afternoon naps while dressed in his pajamas.

During the Second World War, this was offset by sleeping only four hours each night.

Margaret Thatcher was notably known for her habit of sleeping merely four hours a night.

Her ex-assistant revealed that throughout the Falklands conflict, she would keep vigil all night, staying dressed and seated until the early morning hours.

She didn't take naps, but she managed to get some extra sleep on the weekends at Chequers.

An article in The Times stated that Boris Johnson frequently took brief naps, lasting about half an hour, to rejuvenate himself for the day's remaining tasks.

When confronted with the quotes from a source within Downing Street, his spokesperson responded by stating, "The prime minister does not take naps. Those reports are false."

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