We know a certain Prime Minister had a shorter shelf life than a lettuce, but how do other UK Prime Ministers compare by tenure?
In fresh vegetables territory, the Viscount Goderich was replaced between four and five months. If you’re lucky a set of potatoes can keep that long.
Moving away from fresh veg, and into fats and oils, a jar of Coconut Oil will keep longer than Rishi Sunak, and Sir Anthony Eden (two years).
For those preparing for the end of the world, they’ll be glad to know their cans of tuna and baked beans will keep longer than the Earl of Derby (who had to deal with the woes of a minority government – twice. Theresa May and Harold Wilson eat your hearts out). Alas, David Cameron, at six years, will outlast your favourite tin of goods.
Fun fact for you – (dried) Ramen Noodles keep for over ten years. Tony Blair’s ministry expired before then, but New Labour lived for longer.
However, when we go any further we have to move away from food stuffs, and find something else that’s fitting.
William Pitt the Younger’s Prime Ministerial tenure of the United Kingdom, over two non-consecutive terms, of 18 years, is old enough to get a driving license, get a job, and even apply for a mortgage.
But Sir Robert Walpole’s tenure of nearly 21 years takes the crown. Not only did it create the office of Prime Minister, but could have recorded its own competing album of *21*. Would it have been as successful as Adele’s? Highly doubtful – but then when you’ve been in power for that long, do you need it to be?
Sure beats lasting less than a lettuce though.
(Note for readers – do not take food expiry advice from your friendly neighbourhood Data Journalist. Please read best before dates, and ask the best cook you know).
This was first published on my LinkedIn