ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the Prime Ministerial tenure of Tony Blair and evaluates the extent to which he showcased the characteristics associated with toxic political leadership. The chapter will explain the meaning of toxicity in terms of political leadership, identifying the importance of (1) dysfunctional personal characteristics – i.e., arrogance/ego, cowardice, recklessness, and (2) destructive behaviors – i.e., stifling constructive criticism, misleading followers, and failing to nurture other leaders. The case study of Blair and toxicity will then consider his legacies in relation to economic management, the military intervention in Iraq, and the British Labour Party. The chapter will conclude that Blair does showcase some toxic tendencies, but that they are located at the milder end of the toxicity spectrum.
