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Six Prime Ministers Depart in a Decade: Is Britain Becoming Ungovernable?

Extreme instability has plagued British politics since Brexit took effect. Over the past few years, major crises have emerged in the country’s domestic politics and governance, leading many analysts to describe it as a “broken” or “failing” state.

This report, prepared for readers of public administration, is based on a column by The Guardian columnist Rafael Behr.

According to Rafael Behr, it would be incorrect to say that Britain has become ungovernable. However, the chalice of supreme power in the country is now coated in a strange poison—one that acts remarkably fast. The proof lies in the departure of six prime ministers over the past decade.

Standing in front of 10 Downing Street to deliver a resignation speech has now become a familiar ritual.

Since the Brexit referendum, the average tenure of prime ministers at Downing Street has been less than two years. The referendum vote is not directly to blame for the demise of Keir Starmer’s administration; he had his own shortcomings for the role, which had nothing to do with the European Union (EU).

Upon taking power, he lacked a clear vision of what he actually wanted to achieve. He grew resentful of the demands to explain his positions more clearly.

In this difficult post-Brexit era, these weaknesses were exposed even more ruthlessly. In the face of a decade-long crisis of public trust, his limitations could no longer be hidden.

The rapid succession of prime ministers in just a few years—David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss (who lasted only 45 days), and Rishi Sunak—has created a vacuum in the country’s policymaking. Frequent changes in government and policy have made it exceedingly difficult to implement any long-term planning.

Economic Recession and Rising Cost of Living: Britain’s economy has been in a fragile state for the past few years.

High Inflation: The prices of daily essentials and fuel have soared beyond the reach of ordinary citizens.

The Impact of Brexit: The shockwaves sent through trade and the labor market after exiting the European Union have still not been overcome.

Collapse of Public Services: The National Health Service (NHS) was once a symbol of British pride, but it is currently in a severe crisis. Due to budget deficits, staff shortages, and long waiting lists, patients are failing to receive timely medical care. Furthermore, regular strikes by workers in ambulance services, rail networks, and other public sectors are bringing civic life to a standstill.

Social Division and the Immigration Debate: British society and politics are deeply divided over immigration policy and the refugee crisis. Caught between the economic necessity for skilled labor and the political pressure to curb illegal immigration, the government is failing to reach a permanent solution, which in turn is fueling social tension.

But is it truly “Ungovernable”?
According to a section of political scientists, it would be incorrect to call the country entirely “ungovernable.” Britain’s democratic institutions (such as Parliament, the judiciary, and the electoral system) remain quite resilient. Power transitions continue to take place systematically through constitutional means, without military coups or civil war.

Britain is currently undergoing a deep structural and economic crisis that is paralyzing its governance framework. Rather than calling it “ungovernable,” it is perhaps more accurate to say that “governing has become exceptionally difficult.” If current and future leadership cannot reform these fundamental issues (the economy, the healthcare sector, and social cohesion), this crisis will only deepen further.

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