Westminster Diary: A Reluctant Minister under Tony Blair

Westminster Diary: A Reluctant Minister under Tony Blair

by Bernard Donoughue (Author)

Synopsis

On 2nd May 1997, Tony Blair swept into Downing Street, ending almost twenty years of Conservative government and beginning a decade as Prime Minister. Bernard Donoughue, a Labour peer in the House of Lords, chronicled the path to this momentous election victory in his diaries and this volume sheds new light on the process of forming government and on life working as a minister in the House of Lords. Infused with Donoughue's trademark wit and insight, the diaries covers daily life for a working peer - from the committees, bill discussion and public appearances to political spats - both policy-related and personal. Donoughue also casts a wry glance at a peer's extra-curricular events - from dinners and other high-profile social events to his own favourite hobby, horse-racing. Featuring a cast of high-profile political characters, this book is a must-read for fans of political diaries and anyone with an interest in the inside workings of Westminster.

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 384
Publisher: I.B.Tauris
Published: 30 May 2016

ISBN 10: 1784536504
ISBN 13: 9781784536503

Media Reviews
'A Labour veteran's distinctive take on the Blair years, this is an indispensable volume of diaries. Bernard Donoughue is the insider's insider, a wizard amidst floundering elves. Not to be missed.' - Matthew d'Ancona, Guardian and Evening Standard columnist
Author Bio
Lord (Bernard) Donoughue is a British politician, academic, businessman and author. He was Head of the No 10 Policy Unit under Harold Wilson and Jim Callaghan and was a key source for Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister. He became a Labour peer in 1985 and served as Minister for Agriculture under Blair. His books include Prime Minister: Conduct of Policy Under Harold Wilson and James Callaghan, 1974-79; The Heat of the Kitchen: an autobiography; Downing Street Diary: Volume 1 - With Harold Wilson in No. 1 and Downing Street Diary: Volume 2 - With James Callaghan in No. 10.