The Wintertons Go To Westminster: The Life & Times of Nick & Ann Winterton, Two Westminster Mavericks

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

With two MPs for parents, Sarah Winterton was one of the proudest women in the country. It felt as though her family was at the heart of events. Her parents, Nicholas and Ann Winterton, the Tory MPs for the neighbouring Cheshire seats of Macclesfield and Congleton, became the longest-serving husband-and-wife team in the history of the House of Commons. But the storm clouds were gathering. When her parents got caught up in the parliamentary expenses scandal, Sarah had to re-examine some long-held assumptions. Was the life of a backbench MP worth the candle Why slog away for hours on behalf of your constituents, if your only reward was to be vilified by Fleet Street Weren't there better ways to earn a living In this wry, affectionate, truculent memoir, Sarah Winterton celebrates a brace of MPs renowned for their bloody-minded independence. She goes in to bat, not just for her parents, but for an entire political class. This warts-and-all portrait of an obstreperous English couple also asks challenging political questions. What sort of people do we want to represent us in the House of CommonsAnd if we hold our MPs in contempt, and are too lazy to elect better ones, what becomes of parliamentary democracy

Reviews

"Nicholas and Ann Winterton had a powerful impact on the House of Commons. They were both independent spirits who above all else were patriots, and they helped to lay the foundations to ensure that the United Kingdom eventually left the European Union. I strongly recommend their book." Sir William Cash MP; "Ann and Nick Winterton are likely to be remembered long after many of their contemporaries as true mavericks of British politics. In this entertaining memoir, their daughter, Sarah, captures their unwavering integrity and the fearless way in which they pursued their ideals, even defying their own party when their consciences called for it. It is highly appropriate that their book should have been written about 'Team Winterton', as it is their collaboration and loyalty that has made them such an influential pair in the corridors of Westminster." Lord (Michael) Spicer; "Nicholas Winterton changed how the Commons worked, challenging toothless systems and party Whips in a way that made an impression on both sides of the House. This book is a testament to that independent spirit and a fascinating look behind the scenes of Parliament." Frank Field MP

Author Bio

Sarah Winterton grew up in the corridors of the Palace of Westminster (mainly the family room and cafeteria) in between the constituency home in Congleton and boarding school in Malvern. As the daughter of two maverick MPs, she had a ringside seat granting a unique perspective on British politics for over thirty years.Sarah toyed with banking, publishing and headhunting in an attempt to stay away from the world of politics, but was inevitably lured into it. In 2010, she set up KW Communications, her own boutique London- and Brussels-based public affairs and communications consultancy. Sarah advises and delivers political strategies for a wide range of global clients, often with complex or contentious issues, between the institutions of Brussels and Westminster.