Lessons from Machiavelli

'A man who becomes prince with the help of the nobles finds it more difficult to maintain his position than one who does so with the help of the people. As prince, he finds himself surrounded by many who believe they are his equals, and because of that he cannot command or manage them the way he wants. A man who becomes prince by favour of the people finds himself standing alone, and he has near him either no one or very few not prepared to take orders.'

Machiavelli, The Prince, (1981, London, Penguin), pp.67-8.

Does this help explain the relative success of PMs who initially achieve power via popular mandate (e.g. Thatcher and Blair), and the difficulties faced by those who achieve this position via internal party means (e.g. Major and Brown)?

Proof, if further proof be needed, of the fact that the classic texts still have a role to play in helping us understand politics.