Best orator - British Prime Minister?

[luckyeight]

Which British PM do you consider the best orator?

[violetblue]

In my lifetime, I suppose Harold Wilson, but Churchill was famous for his skills in this department.

[annavc]

I'd agree with Churchill on this one. "never in the field of human conflict . . . " etc.

[jno]

over the years many have been famous for their public speaking: Pitt, Lloyd George, and most recently Churchill, for instance. Prime ministers have to address parliament, unlike American presidents, who don't routinely speak in Congress; so rhetorical skill can be an important part of the job of holding Parliament in the palm of your hand. But there's no necessary connection; John Prescott is about as skilled as George Bush, whereas Enoch Powell was a fine speaker.

[violetblue]

Yes, jno, and the political speech seems to be just about dead, unfortunately. Oh for the days of Dennis Healey, Dennis Skinner (still making me laugh but never mentioned - I always love the one about them all having their snouts in the same trough), Kenneth Clarke, etc, when PM's question time was worth watching for entertainment value.

[jipsquithesq]

Lord Palmerstone

[lankeela]

Maybe not technically speaking, but you couldn't ignore Maggie.

[Dolly1308]

Winston Churchill .