Joh for PM: The inside story of an extraordinary political drama

Description

Unfolding like a political thriller, Joh for PM reveals for the first time the details of the campaign that rocked Australian politics. In 1987 the Queensland Premier, Joh Bjelke-Petersen, launched an audacious bid to break the federal Opposition Coalition, replace Ian Sinclair as National Party leader, and become Prime Minister himself. Trench warfare waged between the Sinclair and Joh forces during one of the most bizarre and divisive periods in Australian politics. In Joh for PM National Party insider Paul Davey reveals what went on behind closed doors in top-level internal meetings and the strategies aimed at thwarting the Joh campaign and reuniting the party at state and federal levels. 'Anyone who thinks Clive Palmer's excursion into federal politics is a bit weird should read about the crazy days of the Joh for PM campaign.' - Michelle Grattan

Paul Davey is a former journalist and was a senior staffer for the National Party at federal and state levels for many years, including federal director during the tumultuous period of the Joh for Canberra campaign.

"As the ultimate insider, Paul Davey has produced a most readable and fact-filled account of tumultuous days for the National Party and the Coalition. It should be required reading for those seeking a greater knowledge of that period in Australian politics." --The Hon. John Howard OM, A.C.