Barry Soper on the loneliness that comes with being prime minister

About this episode

Barry Soper discusses the loneliness of political leadership and his experiences observing New Zealand prime ministers.

Veteran political journalist Barry Soper reflects on nearly five decades in the parliamentary press gallery and his time observing 12 New Zealand prime ministers up close, discussing with Paula Bennett the often overlooked loneliness of political leadership and life inside the Beehive. He recalls a very different parliamentary era of all-night sittings, and a rougher political culture, alongside candid reflections on figures like Robert Muldoon and the personal toll of power after office. The conversation also touches on modern politics, media scrutiny, and why leaders such as Jacinda Ardern and Helen Clark continue to shape how New Zealand sees its leaders. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Host: Paula Bennett

Guest: Barry Soper

Topics covered

• politics
• loneliness
• leadership
• media scrutiny
• New Zealand history
• interviews

Keywords

• Barry Soper
• political journalism
• New Zealand prime ministers
• loneliness
• media scrutiny
• political culture
• leadership

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NZME

Places: New Zealand, Beehive

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