Chief of Staff

Modern politics is a maelstrom. I voted not to join the EC in the early 1970s. I’ve experienced the way Britain has been influenced and changed by Europe and the recent years of wrangling over Brexit have been both fascinating and frustrating.

I’ve enjoyed Anthony Seldon’s inside number 10 biographies; honest and fascinating. I thought Gavin Barwell’s experience as Chief of Staff during one of the most turbulent and perplexing periods in British politics might provide a unique insight. I confess, when I saw he was narrating, my heart sank a little as authors are not necessarily the best narrators. But he’s brilliant. Easy to listen to and I was immediately drawn in to his detailed and varied experiences.

I really like his approach. He takes themes, such as Brexit, Grenville Tower, Northern Ireland, security, Cabinet reshuffles etc and follows each through with precision and clarity.

It’s difficult to understand the machinations and workings of Westminster. His unique position allows the reader to see behind closed doors and fully understand how Government really works. His account is based on extensive contemporaneous notes and feels honest and accurate. There are numerous revelations about petty mindedness, deceit, manipulation and more, but they’re recounted without rancour or point scoring. I’ve gained huge insight into the background of many decisions which seemed bizarre and which caused the downfall of the May administration. She will be remembered as the PM who failed to deliver. That’s a disservice as Gavin reveals the plotting, backstabbing and worse that made her position untenable. The book confirms my view that, whatever her shortcomings, we lost a leader with integrity, commitment to the electorate and her party.

I’d urge anyone with an interest in politics, current events or social history to read Chief of Staff. It’s a book with heart and it’s a real fly on the wall revelation.

My thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley.