Blair’s Blueprint: Former PM Shares Leadership Insights with Starmer Amid New Government Challenges

Adam Boulton: Tony Blair is in discussions with Sir Keir Starmer – but what advice is he offering?

In his latest publication, Mr. Blair refutes claims that he assisted the current prime minister in assuming office, and it remains uncertain whether his counsel would be embraced by those now in power at Number 10.

Sky News analyst @adamboultonTABB

Sunday, September 8, 2024, 1:

Throughout the history of British politics, only four Labour leaders have achieved outright victories in general elections: Clement Attlee, Harold Wilson, Tony Blair, and now Sir Keir Starmer. Among them, only Tony Blair and Sir Keir Starmer are still living.

Tony Blair has confirmed that he often communicates with his successor. He refuted claims from a report suggesting that he has been sending text messages to Mr. Starmer with advice on transitioning into government. Blair clarified that their conversations are general discussions rather than him providing direct guidance.

He's right about that. In his latest book titled On Leadership, which spans 328 pages, the ex-prime minister notes: "It's crucial for a leader to foster a sense of hope. Nobody is eager to board an aircraft with a disheartened pilot at the helm. People prefer to see a leader who appears to have reasons to be hopeful. They should radiate assurance rather than worry."

The current prime minister seems to be ignoring that, as evident from his less-than-optimistic "things can only get worse…" address to the country.

The new administration has not yet detailed what it means by things getting worse "before they get better." Mr. Starmer's hopeful outlook appears limited to addressing what he claims are the harms inflicted by the Conservative party.

It's natural for people to draw parallels between the recent remarks made by the previous Labour prime minister and the initial actions taken by the new Labour government in its early days.

Mr. Blair's concepts extend beyond the UK, yet he recognizes that his talk of government "missions" and the decade needed to transform a nation mirrors the rhetoric of Mr. Starmer.

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Mr. Blair's return to the public discourse marks a major milestone in his efforts to revive his political career.

"I would have remained had it been possible"

At 71 years old, he continues to energetically promote his book, titled "Lessons For The 21st Century," through public appearances and high-profile media interviews, actively contributing his ideas to the public discourse.

Mr. Blair acknowledges, "I would have remained if possible," and notes that "the technological revolution of the 21st century" is what most makes him yearn to return to government.

Despite the ex-prime minister's persistent intellectual curiosity, Mr. Starmer has no reason to worry about a direct threat to his leadership. Mr. Blair has made it clear that he has no intentions of seeking a comeback.

He claims to simply be sharing his insights on authority, based on his ten years at Downing Street and the subsequent 18 years spent consulting "Leaders"—he consistently capitalizes the 'L'—globally. Regardless of whether or not people concur with his views, he believes it to be a beneficial endeavor.

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An outcast among his own political peers

Tony Blair has remained a key figure for major corporations and world leaders seeking his advice long after his tenure ended.

For a considerable time, he was practically invisible in his own home. Until recently, he struggled to even stroll through his neighborhood, worried that someone might try to detain him over accusations of war crimes committed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

During Jeremy Corbyn's tenure, Tony Blair became an outcast within his own party, mocked on signs as 'Tony B liar'. In a moment of reflection during a press interview, Blair even considered relocating to the US permanently.

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In "On Leadership," he shares insights that stem from the tough lessons he learned following the events of September 11.

He remarks with regret, "The greatest danger arises when foreign policy is implemented inconsistently, when responses to events and issues are improvised, and when the significance of clarity and coherence is overlooked."

In other discussions, he has acknowledged that both the UK and the US failed to properly consider or address the outcomes of their actions in the Middle East.

The invasion of Iraq took place in 2003. It has been 18 years since Tony Blair retired from active political life. In 2010, he released his autobiography, "Tony Blair: A Journey," and generously gave all earnings from the book, totaling over £5 million, to a charity supporting wounded soldiers.

His latest efforts aim to extract general teachings for the future from his past experiences instead of dwelling on self-justification for past actions.

Following a successful career as an international consultant, he has dedicated the last seven years to working pro bono for the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.

The organization currently has more than 1,000 employees active in nearly 50 nations. Each year, it hosts the Future of Britain conference in London.

The book does not discuss Mr. Starmer. It only references Gordon Brown, the competitor who ultimately ousted Blair, a single time in a vaguely titled chapter called Avoid Paranoia.

In his writings, Blair casually mentions, "[Brown] was an essential part of the government’s workings and aimed to replace me, preferably sooner rather than later. My team, quite predictably, was not in favor of this. I often remarked, 'he has every right to aspire to the position'."

Phases of Development for Leadership

Tony Blair believes that the leadership process is universally divided into three distinct phases, applicable across all nations and governance frameworks.

Initially embracing their newfound authority with eagerness to absorb information. Subsequently, they develop a belief in their own all-knowingness. Ultimately, they reach a stage of maturity, acknowledging their limitations and once again becoming open to learning from others.

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Not every leader achieves that "profound level of understanding," but Mr. Blair is confident he has reached it and aims to assist other leaders in attaining it more swiftly.

"The phrase 'what matters is what works' was often heard during the New Labour era. In his book, Mr. Blair argues that leaders must take responsibility, gather top talent, make swift and decisive decisions, and ensure they are providing their citizens with service and security, regardless of the political system, a point he makes with notable curiosity."

Mr. Blair's practical approach and seeming indifference to the methods leaders use to attain their high ranks are reminiscent of Machiavelli's guide for rulers, The Prince, though without the spitefulness. In opposition, Mr. Blair advises against creating adversaries, promotes forgiveness, and recommends ignoring harsh criticisms.

He tends to steer clear of details, yet some of his remarks on present-day topics in this revival might stir up controversy.

The globe would handle a second Trump term

He is of the opinion that the world can manage another term with Donald Trump as president. Reflecting on the impeachment of his friend Bill Clinton, he expresses caution about using the justice system for political gains. He advocates for the application of the law equally to leaders and citizens, but also stresses the importance of exercising discretion in determining when legal action is truly essential.

He laments that the UK administrations that followed did not maintain the key global partnerships he had established, which positioned Britain as America's closest confidante, at the forefront of European affairs, and as a pioneer in aiding underdeveloped nations.

He argues that Brexit has led to a shift from young, short-term migrants from the EU to immigrants from former British colonies who often arrive with their families.

Primarily, Mr. Blair champions the potential benefits that technology and artificial intelligence offer.

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He has consistently maintained that digital ID cards are essential for reducing illegal immigration. He was among the global stars who shared stages with cryptocurrency mogul Sam Bankman-Fried, now recognized as a convicted fraudster.

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Mr. Blair openly marvels at the opportunities created by major technology companies and their founders, such as Elon Musk.

He outlines numerous real-world technological uses currently being implemented by governments worldwide. With the advent of AI, he believes these will transform the role of the state and encourages a deep comprehension of this transformation to adopt the most effective strategies.

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Mr. Blair is more enthusiastic than the Starmer administration about adopting new technology.

In different sectors, his concepts don't align with the key agendas of the current administration. Should he advance to the third phase of the leadership path, Mr. Starmer might find Mr. Blair's insights initially distracting, yet ultimately beneficial.

Until that time, it would be prudent for him to heed the counsel of his predecessor to "make room for a bit of joy or mirth."

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