The notion that the Prime Minister should hold a degree in politics, law, or economics has long been considered an ideal academic foundation for national leadership. However, a recent column by James Ford has reignited a debate over the perceived suitability of English Literature graduates for the top office, sparking questions about the relevance of humanities degrees to governance and policy-making.
Ford's commentary highlights the prospect of Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, becoming the first Prime Minister with an English Literature degree from the University of Cambridge. While acknowledging the institution's prestige, Ford suggests that such a background may not adequately prepare a leader for the intricacies of governance and national strategy.
Comparing his own War Studies degree to those held by prominent politicians, including past Prime Ministers, Ford argues that humanities degrees like English Literature offer less direct insights into politics. He notes the prevalence of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE), Classics, or Modern History degrees among UK Prime Ministers, often from Oxford University.
Historically, many UK Prime Ministers have studied at Oxford University, with notable examples including Harold Wilson, David Cameron, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak, all of whom studied PPE. Former Prime Ministers like William Gladstone, H.H. Asquith, and Boris Johnson read Classics, while Clement Attlee and Alec Douglas-Home studied Modern History. This established pattern underscores a perceived ideal academic grounding for national leadership.
While acknowledging exceptions such as Margaret Thatcher's Chemistry degree and Tony Blair's Law degree, the article raises questions about the value of different academic disciplines in shaping effective national leaders. The discussion implicitly asks whether a focus on literature and fiction, as opposed to subjects directly engaging with facts, economics, or political theory, can adequately prepare an individual for the highest office in the land.