Some people grow up dreaming of becoming UK prime minister whilst still in Eton shorts; others find that a mix of ambition, timing, and luck suddenly opens the door to No 10.

But for these three incumbents, that door swung shut almost as quickly as it opened…

1. Liz Truss (2022): Lasted 49 days during which she crashed the pound, brought down the markets and was outlasted by a lettuce. She’s been blaming the “deep state” ever since.

2. George Canning (1827):  In office 119 days before dying of illness having spent most of that time dealing with Tory splits and cabinet resignations.

3. Duke of Wellington (1829): A great general but rigid PM out of step with a country demanding reform. His stance split those Tories again, stirring unrest, and losing his majority.