Losing Political Office

Dame Jane Roberts is Visiting Fellow at The Open University Business School, UK, and a member of the Leadership Research Discussion Group at The Open University Business School. A medical doctor, she continues to practise as an NHS Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and she has experience of healthcare management. She was Leader of the London Borough of Camden from 2000 to 2005. She chaired the Councillors Commission for the Department of Communities and Local Government (2007 to 2009) and amongst other roles, she chairs the think tank New Local Government Network. She also was joint editor of The Politics of Attachment (with S. Kraemer).

• 1. Introduction.- 2. What is known about losing political office?.- 3. The research.- 4. Current politicians: views of political careers and motivations.- 5. Former politicians.- 6. Standing down from office.- 7. Defeated in office.- 8. After office: the longer term experience.- 9. Politicians’ partners and their families.- 10. Key themes in the losing of office.- 11. What may help or hinder transition from office?.- 12. Why losing political office matters to us all.- 13. Last thoughts.- References.