The Blair Years

Alastair Campbell

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The Blair Years is the most compelling and revealing account of contemporary politics you will ever read. Taken from Alastair Campbell's daily diaries, it charts the rise of New Labour and the tumultuous years of Tony Blair's leadership, providing the first important record of a remarkable decade in our national life.

Here are the defining events of our time, from Labour's new dawn to the war on terror, from the death of Diana to negotiations for peace in Northern Ireland, from Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq, through to the Hutton Inquiry of 2003, the year Campbell resigned his position at No 10. But above all here is Tony Blair up close and personal, taking the decisions that affected the lives of millions, under relentless and often hostile pressure.

Often described as the second most powerful figure in Britain, Alastair Campbell is no stranger to controversy. Feared and admired in equal measure, hated by some, he was pivotal to the founding of New Labour and the sensational election victory of 1997. As Blair's press secretary, strategist and trusted confidant, Campbell spent more waking hours alongside the Prime Minister than anyone. His diaires - at times brutally frank, often funny, always compelling - take the reader right to the heart of government.

The Blair Years is a story of politics in the raw, of progress and setback, of reputations made and destroyed, under the relentless scrutiny of a 24-hour media. Unflinchingly told, it covers the crises and scandals, the rows and resignations, the ups and downs of Britain's hothouse politics. But amid the big events are insights and observations that make this a remarkably human portrayal of some of the most powerful people in the world.

There has never been so riveting a book about life at the very top, nor a more human book about politics, told by a man who saw it all.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Inside Perspective: Alastair Campbell, as Tony Blair's Director of Communications and Strategy, provides an insider's perspective on the workings of the British government during the Blair years.

  2. Election Campaigns: The book covers the strategies and key moments in the election campaigns that brought Tony Blair and the Labour Party to power in 1997, 2001, and 2005.

  3. New Labour Reforms: It details the New Labour reforms under Blair's leadership, including changes in economic policy, healthcare, education, and social issues.

  4. Foreign Policy Decisions: The book delves into the foreign policy decisions made during this period, including the Kosovo conflict, Sierra Leone intervention, and the controversial Iraq War.

  5. Relationship with George W. Bush: Campbell discusses the dynamics of Tony Blair's relationship with U.S. President George W. Bush, particularly in the context of the Iraq War.

  6. Public Image: The author explores the efforts made to manage Tony Blair's public image and communication strategies during his time as Prime Minister.

  7. Crisis Management: The book covers how the Blair government handled various crises, including political scandals, public controversies, and policy challenges.

  8. Social and Economic Reforms: Readers gain insights into the social and economic reforms undertaken by the Blair government, such as the introduction of the minimum wage and constitutional changes.

  9. Challenges and Criticisms: Campbell addresses the challenges faced by the Blair government, including criticisms from both within the Labour Party and the opposition.

  10. Blair's Leadership Style: The book provides observations on Tony Blair's leadership style, decision-making process, and the internal dynamics of the Labour Party under his leadership.

Language English
ISBN-10 0091920639
ISBN-13 9780091920630
No of pages 756
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Hutchinson
Published Date 09 Jul 2007

About Author

Author : Alastair Campbell

1 Books

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