For the first time in modern history, the UK has six living ex-prime ministers, four of which are Conservative. Boris Johnson’s resignation on Tuesday means he joins Theresa May, David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and John Major in what has become a fast-expanding group of former PMs.
The number of surviving ex-prime ministers has doubled in the past 15 years. When Gordon Brown became prime minister in 2007, only three of his predecessors in the role were still alive: Tony Blair, John Major and Margaret Thatcher.
The increase reflects both the rapid turnover of prime ministers in recent years and the age of those who have held the office. Of the six living ex-prime ministers, two are still under 60; Boris Johnson, aged 58, and David Cameron, 55.
