Tag Archives: Blair

Steve Richards – Tony Blair: The Prime Minsters Series

He was not arrogant enough! Tony Blair is one of the defining politicians of post-war Britain, but he failed to transform the country on the same scale as, say, Margaret Thatcher. For his enemies he was a warmonger and a social meddler. His admirers note that under him public services were restored after the neglect and vandalism of the Thatcherite years, and that he left Britain a better place to live. Steve Richards is unimpressed by the caricatures.  When considering Blair’s actions he always considers how much room he had on the political stage. He has written a typically elegant and thoughtful book, punchily discussing Blair as a leader, his … Continue reading

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Alwyn Turner – All In It Together: England in the Early 21st Century

Alwyn Turner – Profile Books – £20 https://media.blubrry.com/timhaighreadsbooks/bookspodcast.com/MP3s/green-shoot_alwynturner-allinittogether_20210627.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Embed

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Steve Richards – The Prime Ministers: Reflections on Leadership from Wilson to May

Steve Richards – Atlantic Books £20 You have to wonder why the office of Prime Minister is so coveted. While many politicians aspire to Number Ten, more or less all the Prime Ministers in this book spent at least some of their time in office in political Hell. And yet they typically cling on to office like grim death, and in some cases never get over its loss. Steve Richards, the most thoughtful and incisive of journalists and commentators, has written a detailed and hugely entertaining study of the nine Prime Ministers of the modern era, from Harold Wilson to Theresa May. Packed with anecdote and analysis, and unashamedly fascinated … Continue reading

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