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About this quote

What does it mean?
A leader asserts their position relies on party support and demands resolution.
In plain terms
I need party support to lead, so stop the fighting.
What can you take from it?
Leadership requires the confidence of peers.

Where it applies

  • party disputes
  • leadership struggles
  • internal politics

Putting it to work

  • consolidating support
  • addressing dissent

Questions to consider

  • When is a leader accountable to peers?
  • How do you resolve conflict?

Another view

It is a strategic political statement rather than a moral truth.

More from John Major

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  3. The right hon. and learned Member is the man who likes to say yes in Europe - Monsieur Oui, the poodle of Brussels.

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