The Prime Ministers: Reflections on Leadership from Wilson to Johnson

Description

'Fascinating, revealing and entertaining.' - John Humphrys 'A pure pleasure to read.' - Polly Toynbee 'Extraordinary.' - Kirsty Wark A landmark history of the men and women who have defined the UK's role in the modern world - and what makes them special - by a seasoned political journalist. At a time of unprecedented political upheaval, this magisterial history explains who leads us and why. From Harold Wilson to Boris Johnson, it brilliantly brings to life all 10 inhabitants of 10 Downing Street over the past fifty years, vividly outlining their successes and failures - and what made each of them special. Based on unprecedented access and in-depth interviews, and inspired by the author's BBC Radio 4 and television series, Steve Richards expertly examines the men and women who have defined the UK's role in the modern world and sheds new light on the demands of the highest public office in the land.

Steve Richards is a political columnist, journalist, and presenter. He regularly presents The Week in Westminster on BBC Radio 4 and has presented BBC radio series on Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Theresa May. He also presented the BBC TV programmes Leadership Reflections: The Modern Prime Ministers and Reflections: The Prime Ministers We Never Had. He has written for several national newspapers including the Guardian, the Independent and the Financial Times. He also presents a popular political one man show each year at the Edinburgh Festival and across the UK.

A thoughtful and compelling book... the chapters on Tony Blair and Gordon Brown are the jewels in the crown, but the entire set glitter. * Stephen Bush, Observer * Brilliant. * Independent * A fascinating read... Steve's writing is revealing and entertaining. * John Humphrys * A pure pleasure to read. In Richards' bright, sharp portraits of nine prime ministers, all our modern history springs to life. An enlightening retrospective. * Polly Toynbee * A fascinating and balanced review of the leadership strengths and weaknesses in the last nine British Prime Ministers from a journalist who has known them all. * Jon Snow, Channel Four News * Steve Richards' ability to get inside the heads of our modern Prime Ministers is extraordinary - some of them might even look at themselves with a new acuity. * Kirsty Wark * An engaging survey of modern prime ministers... [Richards is] a distinguished and influential political journalist and commentator. * Literary Review * You could not ask for a better qualified guide... than political journalist Steve Richards... the whole book brims with counter-intuitive insights. * Prospect * Entertaining and readable... Richards is a seasoned raconteur. * The Herald * An original twist on a familiar topic... the leaders of both main parties would do well to sit down and read it before the country goes to the polls. * MoneyWeek * There has been no better time to absorb oneself in some modern political history, and there is no better person to guide you through it than Steve Richards. The great thing about Steve's book is that it helps us understand how our last nine prime ministers viewed things themselves and why they took the decisions they did... His book is entertaining, informative and timely. * Evan Davis * Steve Richards offers a real treat to readers. Covering no fewer than nine Prime Ministers, he displays his talents to the full: an unsurpassed grasp of the context of leadership, empathetic yet properly critical assessment of records and a communication style that can reach out to anyone interested in politics and power. * John Bercow * Smart and incisive, from a fine scribe and a wise watcher. Steve Richards is a joy. * James Naughtie * Steve Richards' excellent portraits of Prime Ministers are both penetrating and sympathetic. Written from his expert perspective as a broadcaster and political journalist, this book is deeply insightful about the people who have tried to govern us. * Adam Boulton *