At some point in the next three months, Britain will have six living former prime ministers.
It’s an unusual manifestation of the political chaos of the past six years, but it means Boris Johnson will have no shortage of advice if he wants it.
The transition from one of the most demanding jobs on Earth to a more relaxed life is far from easy, especially for those who leave the post relatively young.
At 58, Mr Johnson was nine years older than David Cameron when he resigned. Sir John Major, now 79, has been out of office for 25 years.
Mr Cameron never managed to land the roles often held by former leaders, such as heading Nato, and instead turned to lobbying, which damaged his reputation with the Greenseal scandal.
For many years there was a tradition of former Prime Ministers remaining in Parliament and offering their experience and wisdom, although the recalcitrant Edward Heath spent 24 years grumbling from the backbenches.
Theresa May stayed, but is the only living former prime minister to have done so after the next election.
But for Mr Johnson, staying in parliament looks unlikely. He is not a creature of Westminster, does not enjoy its culture or traditions and has few friendships with fellow MPs.
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