19 years as a member of parliament, 6 cabinet positions, 5 general elections and serving under 4 prime ministers. During his political career, Michael Gove pretty much saw and did it all. As he says himself, no-one in politics is a conscript. He and others are volunteers who willingly choose their fate. But office can and does take its toll and in this five part series, Michael talks candidly with politicians from different parties about the strengths and skills needed to survive when things get tough.

Producer: Ben Carter
Editor: Clare Fordham
Sound recordists: Jack Graysmark and Hannah Montgomery
Mixed by James Beard
Production co-ordinators: Janet Staples, Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck

Listen to all episodes from Monday 21 October 2024 on BBC Sounds.