The Rivals: The Intimate Story of a Political Marriage

(Paperback)

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An insightful post-election analysis of the delicate relationship at the heart of New Labour from the acclaimed journalist and broadcaster James Naughtie. Tony Blair and Gordon Brown - no Prime Minister and Chancellor this century have been bound so closely together, each depending on the other's strengths to repair weaknesses that might otherwise be politically fatal; yet theirs is a bond that crackles with suspicion and misunderstanding, lovers' tiffs that send tremors through the government. The story of the current era can only properly be told through the prism of this strange union between Blair and Brown. James Naughtie is an insider. A respected political commentator, he has equal access to both men, to their key courtiers, to the party malcontents and everyone who has ever sat in Cabinet with them. Even the supporting players are wildly dramatic: the saturnine plotting of Peter Mandelson, the muscled protection of Alistair Campbell, and the Scots traditionalists facing down the Number 10 policy wonks. But the real drama is compressed into the central relationship. Here are Othello and Iago, Caesar and Brutus.

Reviews

'Naughtie has written, with fine, elegant cadences, native wit and golden insights, a double biography of this Government which tells us a lot and which will last longer, I suspect, than the marriage at its heart.' Andrew Marr, Daily Telegraph 'Beautifully written ... Naughtie has come as close as anyone to an accurate reading, of what, precisely, happened in the 1994 leadership contest.' Sunday Telegraph 'Engaging ... illuminating' Paul Routledge, Spectator The most digestible political book of recent times. The narrative races along, the anecdotes illuminate the drama and the urgent prose style creates the "I was there" impression that always adds excitement to adventure stories.' Roy Hattersley, Guardian

Author Bio

James Naughtie is one of the best-known broadcasters in the UK. A presenter of Today on BBC Radio 4, and the face of the Proms, he has also written about politics in London and Washington for many years.