Leadership lessons from Britain's Greatest Prime Minister (no not that one)
There are always lessons to be learnt from our leaders – good or bad – and politicians are often among the first to be discussed. When I think of great political leaders Disraeli is front of mind. I used to work at his former country home providing tours and lectures on his life and achievements and whilst most people opt for Churchill, for me it’s Disraeli who I’d list as my Greatest Prime Minister
But Disraeli’s story is not as prominent as Churchill’s so I wanted to share some Leadership lessons that you might not have known helped Disraeli shape Britain’s future.
Disraeli was an “unlikely” Prime Minster. His Jewish heritage and lack of University education meant he was considered an outsider of mainstream politics in the 1800s. Having built up considerable debts he was unable to fund his own campaign and relied on generous supporters to champion a new face of Politics. He likened his political career to “climbing the greasy pole” – doing so against all odds and a very public display of racial prejudice. Disraeli never gave up and finally gained a working majority in 1874 – at an astonishing 70 years of age. He is still our only Prime Minister to have had Jewish heritage.
“I shall sit down now but the time will come when you will hear me!” – Disraeli at his maiden speech where his words were drowned out by name-calling and mockery
Whilst known as a favourite of Queen Victoria, Disraeli considered all of society. In the 1850s only 1 in 7 Men were eligible to vote which urged Disraeli’s attempt to introduce a new reform act and open the vote to Working Class households. Whilst unsuccessful, the drive continued and eventually led to Representation of the People Act in 1867 doubling the number of eligible voters and beginning a series of further voting reforms. Widespread social legislation became a key feature of his career. He reduced child labour with a ban on juvenile chimney sweeps and gave employees the same legal rights as their employers whilst also introducing working hours’ regulations to prevent exploitation. He protected the savings of the working class with the “friendly societies act” and gave everyone the right to clean running water and refuse collections in a new public health act that continues to this day. Disraeli is often remembered for acquiring shares in the Suez Canal creating great trade links and empowering business, and his extensive backing of the Royal Titles Act (giving Queen Victoria an equal status to the Russian Tsar), but it was actually his social legislation that was the most progressive and improved the lives of all classes
“We are conferring power on a class” – Disraeli’s argument for the need for Voting reform
It wasn’t just Disraeli’s background that made him an unlikely choice for Prime Minister – anyone who saw him in his youth would have seen a unique dress sense and flamboyant nature not in-keeping with the rest of Victorian Britain. Never afraid to be different Disraeli prided himself on his exuberance wearing his hair in ringlets and dressing in coloured velvets, low sleeves and elaborate lace. His appearance repelled other politicians and the pressure to conform must have been great, but Disraeli chose instead to be truly himself, and his “peacock” nature only added to his unique character.
“Life is too short to be little. Man is never so manly as when he feels deeply, acts boldly and expresses himself with frankness and with fervour” – Benjamin Disraeli
The Congress of Berlin was a defining moment in Disraeli’s career. 1878 was defined by international clashes created as the Russo-Turkish war ended and the threat of Russian expansion took Europe back to the brink of war once again. A meeting was held between European nations to address the balance of power in the Balkans and Disraeli travelled to Berlin in poor health against the advice of both his Doctor and Queen Victoria. His tactful approach and skilled way with words impressed the delegates and he enabled a peaceful outcome that was considered a great triumph of its time. Disraeli led with words and his powerful oratory prevented war.
“Das is der Mann! (He is the man!)” – Prince Otto von Bismarck describing Disraeli at the Congress of Berlin
Disraeli carefully managed his relationships, friend or foe, through his career. Such was Disraeli’s ability to forge connections that he struck up a friendship with an elderly widow based in Torquay writing to her often and sending gifts. Despite only visiting her once a year the bond was so strong that she left him £30,000 in her will and requested to be laid to rest in the churchyard by Disraeli’s side. This is how Disraeli came to be buried between his wife and the rather eccentric Sarah Brydges-Williams! His incredible ability to recruit people to his campaign didn’t extend to all though, and his political clashes with Gladstone are read with great wit. Gladstone’s opposition pushed Disraeli to do better and whenever challenged he would always have a cutting response showing intellect over ignorance. Disraeli never faltered in the face of his enemy stating “No government can be long secure without formidable opposition”. Such was their conflict that when Disraeli’s role as Chancellor of the Exchequer came to an end, he refused to pass onto Gladstone the ceremonial robes which remain in his family home to this day!
“If Gladstone fell into the Thames, that would be a misfortune. But if someone fished him out again, that would be a great calamity” - Disraeli
Long before the concept of the side hustle, Disraeli was leading the way by enjoying a successful career as a writer alongside his political achievements. Be they novels, non-fiction or political biographies, Disraeli was a popular author with a satirical approach that would likely translate into our modern tastes. However, his career did not start well. His first novel, Vivian Grey, was slated (partially due to the simple fact he was a Jew) and the criticism affected him deeply leading to a nervous collapse aged 22 that halted his writing for several years. His popularity grew though and Disraeli went on to enjoy publishing advances that equalled Charles Dickens. Considering the senior positions he held in government, Disraeli’s commitment to writing a vast series of works must have shown great determination
“When I want to read a novel, I write one”
Disraeli provides us with a unique character in political history and a reminder that legal rights we take for granted today once required his commitment to be introduced.
Disraeli’s former country home is now owned by the National Trust who open it to visitors on a regular basis. Search “Hughenden Manor” via the National Trust for more details. His grave (& that of Sarah Brydges-Williams) can be found in the grounds of St Michael’s & All Angels in the adjacent park a short walk downhill from the Manor’s Stable yard.
