The Fall of Boris Johnson: The Full Story

(Hardback)

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Description

The Fall of Boris Johnson is the fascinating full account of how a prime minister lost his grip on power. Sebastian Payne, Whitehall Editor for the Financial Times, tells the essential behind-the-scenes story, charting the series of scandals that felled Johnson: from the blocked suspension of Owen Paterson to Partygate, and, finally, the Chris Pincher allegations, which were the final death blow. This is the full narrative of the betrayals, rivalries and resignations that led to the dramatic Conservative coup. With unparalleled access to those who were in the room when key decisions were made, Payne tells of the miscalculations and mistakes that led to Boris's downfall, only three years after he first entered No.10 Downing Street. This is a gripping and timely look at how power is gained, wielded and lost in Britain today.

Reviews

An entertaining and illuminating fly on the wall romp through Boris Johnson's final nine months, where the fly, Seb Payne, must frequently have thought he was on hallucinogens. It's more fun than a Downing Street party and contains a suitcase full of news. -- Tim Shipman
A timely reminder of the fine art of defenestration written by one of Fleet Streets most trusted insiders. Delicious detail, break-neck pace and a curiosity which is both urgent yet empathetic. We are lucky to have Sebastian Payne. One of the finest of his generation. -- Emily Maitlis
A genuinely page turning, gripping account of some of the most extraordinary days in modern British history. Very well sourced, this is a book historians will be turning to for a long time to come. The fall of emperors often seems a more interesting theme than their rise; Seb Payne triumphantly confirms it. -- Andrew Marr
Brilliant, a devastating piece of contemporary history and Id recommend anyone with a remote interest in politics reads it. However bad you thought the Boris Johnson denouement was, Payne shows that it was much worse. Were living in a time of epic political implosions, and the definitive history of this one has just been written. -- Fraser Nelson
Any Tory MP tempted by a Johnson comeback should be prescribed this book by their GP -- The Times, A Political Book of the Year
Payne writes with great skill . . . borders on the best of Tom Sharpe . . . revelatory * The Daily Telegraph *
I urge you to read -- Nick Cohen
Revealing stories . . . delicious detail * The Times *
Seasoned Westminster commentator Payne brilliantly, breathlessly and low-blow by low-blow captures the car crash at Downing Street -- Daily Mail, A Book of the Year
Has all the pace, intrigue, complexity and dirt worthy of the finest Netflix drama * Metro *
Payne tells the inside story, charting the crescendo of scandals that led to th resignation of a prime minister * Financial Times *

Author Bio

Sebastian Payne is the award-winning Whitehall Editor, columnist for the Financial Times and author of the acclaimed Broken Heartlands - The Times' Political Book of the Year for 2021. Sebastian presents the Payne's Politics podcast, which was shortlisted for News Podcast of the Year at the 2020 National Press Awards. The Fall of Boris Johnson is his second book.