Tony Blair Reveals He Did Not Enjoy Being Prime Minister in Candid Documentary
In a new documentary about his life, former Prime Minister Tony Blair has made a surprising admission: he did not truly enjoy his time in office. Sir Tony, who served as Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007, shared this personal reflection in a Channel 4 programme set to air on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The documentary offers an intimate look at his decade in Downing Street, blending political history with personal revelations.
A Heavy Burden of Responsibility
Speaking with honesty, Blair explained that rather than feeling exhilarated by his role, he was overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility. "If I'm really honest about it, I'm not sure I did enjoy it that much," he said. He described being in his early forties and becoming prime minister, but instead of celebrating, he felt a pressing duty. "I was just thinking, here you are in your early 40s, you’re prime minister. And rather than thinking, you’re prime minister – wow! I was like, you’re prime minister – so you better do a good job because now what happens to this country and its people depends on you." This insight sheds light on the immense pressures faced by leaders at the highest level of government.
Cherie Blair's Personal Revelations
The documentary also features Cherie Blair, who provides a glimpse into their private life. She praised her husband's political skills but noted his shortcomings as a romantic partner. "He is an amazing politician. As a husband and as a human being, that’s a different matter, but that’s really between me and him," she said. In a light-hearted yet telling anecdote, she revealed, "Tony’s not very romantic. He’s never bought me flowers, for example. And now he says, ‘Well, if I bought you flowers, you’d be very suspicious’, which is probably true." This adds a humanising touch to the former prime minister's public persona.
The Impact of the Iraq War on the Blair Family
Lady Blair spoke candidly about the profound effects of the 2003 Iraq War on their family. She recalled the protests that echoed into 10 Downing Street, creating a tense and difficult atmosphere. "It was a very strange time. I think it was hard for my [teenage] children to come in every day and people were standing there calling their father a murderer and a liar," she said. Despite the controversy, she defended her husband's convictions, stating, "I absolutely know that that’s what he thought was true" regarding the belief in weapons of mass destruction under Saddam Hussein.
Criticism from Former MI6 Head
The documentary includes commentary from Sir John Sawers, former head of MI6, who labelled the decision to enter Iraq as a "mistake." He acknowledged Blair's capabilities, saying, "He was personally, politically, mentally one of the best equipped people we’ve had as prime minister over the last seventy years," but criticised the strategic overreach. "His passion and his commitment to the alliance with the Americans led him down a road in Iraq where, basically, he overreached, we as a country overreached, and strategically it has not been a success." This adds a critical perspective to the ongoing debate about the war's legacy.
Rejecting the 'Lady Macbeth' Accusation
Cherie Blair also addressed long-standing accusations that she was a "Lady Macbeth" figure during her husband's premiership, allegedly wielding undue influence. She dismissed these claims with humour and firmness. "I think, really? I thought that was a joke. I thought it was Gordon [Brown] who described me as Lady Macbeth. If anyone thinks Tony's my puppet, they just don't understand the nature of the man." This rebuttal highlights the scrutiny faced by political spouses and challenges narratives of behind-the-scenes manipulation.
The three-part series promises to deliver a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of Tony Blair's life, blending personal anecdotes with significant political events. It offers viewers a rare opportunity to understand the complexities of leadership and the personal sacrifices involved in holding the highest office in the United Kingdom.
