BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

The Curse of the Number Two

The Curse of the Number Two: Episode 1

Episode 1

BBC Radio 4 - The Curse of the Number Two, Episode 1

Julia Langdon explores why, in British politics, the deputy hardly ever gains the top job.

Nick Clegg's rise to become deputy prime minister has brought into sharp focus the role of the number two. Why, in British politics, does the deputy so rarely reach the very top?

Nick Clegg's meteoric rise to become Deputy Prime Minister has brought into sharp focus the role of the number two. It's not always an enviable position. So why, in British politics, does the deputy so rarely reach the summit? And why, when he does, does it usually end in disaster? Think of Michael Foot or Anthony Eden. These programmes talk to a number of the politicians who became deputy leader of their party or even Deputy Prime Minister but who just didn't reach the summit -- people like Roy Hattersley, Michael Heseltine, Shirley Williams, Margaret Beckett and Geoffrey Howe. Some never really wanted the job in the first place, others found it an exciting experience from which they learned a lot. One likens it to a bucket of warm spit, only worse. So is there a jinx on the role of the deputy? The political commentator, Julia Langdon, finds out in The Curse of the Number Two.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Documentaries

Factual: Politics

Julia Langdon explores why, in British politics, the deputy hardly ever gains the top job

Political commentator Julia Langdon explores why, in British politics, the deputy hardly ever gains the top job

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Curse of the Number Two

Episode 1

Genres

Series

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4