The first volume of Paddy Ashdown's acclaimed diaries ended on 2 May 1997, the day after Labour gained its landslide victory and the Lib Dems won more seats than at any time since 1929, with the fateful words: "Tony starts his Prime Ministership with a tidal wave of hope and good will behind him. A new age". But was it? This second volume takes us from that post-electoral euphoria to the moment when Paddy Ashdown, believing he had taken his party as far as he could, stands down as leader. For four years he and Tony Blair had worked closely on a project intended to totally realign the Left in British politics. Ashdown's account reveals that having missed the chance to bring their plan to fruition immediately after the election, he and Blair tried again in November 1997 and once more a year later. It ultimately failed because of Blair's belief that he could not overcome the opposition within his own Cabinet. During their many meetings - some in the midle of the night -Ashdown and Blair built up the closest relationship of any two British political leaders in modern times. Here, for the first time, is the gripping story of their complex and secret talks on how and when Ashdown should lead his party into the government. Intertwined with this tale of high politics, formidable willpower and strong emotion are two other great stories of Paddy Ashdown's leadership: the astonishing truth behind the Lib-Lab pact in the Scottish parliament and his involvement at the very highest level, both in the field and behind the scenes, in the Kosovo war. Candid, shrewd and exciting, the diaries present a vivid inside picture of Westminster, and the most intimate portrait yet of Blair and his government.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Before he began his political career, Paddy Ashdown served in the Royal Marine Commandos and the Special Boat Service (SBS) and afterwards as a member of the Diplomatic Service. In 1983 he became MP for Yeovil, and in 1988 won the leadership election for the new Social and Liberal Democrats. In the May 1997 election he led the Liberal Democrats to their greatest electoral achievement since 1929. He stood down as the party's leader in 1999.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
US$ 6.22
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Hardback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR002160100
Quantity: 6 available
Seller: MusicMagpie, Stockport, United Kingdom
Condition: Very Good. 1726218692. 9/13/2024 9:11:32 AM. Seller Inventory # U9780713995114
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Reuseabook, Gloucester, GLOS, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Used; Good. Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Grubby book may have mild dirt or some staining, mostly on the edges of pages. Seller Inventory # CHL9952369
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Better World Books Ltd, Dunfermline, United Kingdom
Condition: Very Good. Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # 38940678-20
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Better World Books Ltd, Dunfermline, United Kingdom
Condition: Very Good. Ships from the UK. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # 39704284-20
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: M Godding Books Ltd, Devizes, WILTS, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Good Jacket. First Edition. First Edition. Posted within 1 working day. 1st class tracked post to the UK, Airmail with tracking worldwide. Robust recyclable packaging. Picture is the actual item. Seller Inventory # 234281
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: BoundlessBookstore, Wallingford, United Kingdom
Condition: Good. VG condition book with dust jacket. DJ is clean, has fresh colours and has light wear to edges. Book has clean and bright contents. Flat Signed by author. Seller Inventory # 9999-9990342121
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: The Guru Bookshop, Hereford, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Fine. FIRST EDITION with shelf worn dust jacket plus owners name and/or signature - will send out 1st class post within 12 hours of receipt of order. Seller Inventory # mon0000111846
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Stanley Louis Remarkable Books, Saint Charles, IL, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. First. From the publisher: The first volume of Paddy Ashdown's acclaimed diaries ended on 2 May 1997, the day after Labour gained its landslide victory and the Lib Dems won more seats than at any time since 1929, with the fateful words: "Tony starts his Prime Ministership with a tidal wave of hope and good will behind him. A new age". But was it? This second volume takes us from that post-electoral euphoria to the moment when Paddy Ashdown, believing he had taken his party as far as he could, stands down as leader. For four years he and Tony Blair had worked closely on a project intended to totally realign the Left in British politics. Ashdown's account reveals that having missed the chance to bring their plan to fruition immediately after the election, he and Blair tried again in November 1997 and once more a year later. It ultimately failed because of Blair's belief that he could not overcome the opposition within his own Cabinet. During their many meetings - some in the midle of the night -Ashdown and Blair built up the closest relationship of any two British political leaders in modern times. Here, for the first time, is the gripping story of their complex and secret talks on how and when Ashdown should lead his party into the government. Intertwined with this tale of high politics, formidable willpower and strong emotion are two other great stories of Paddy Ashdown's leadership: the astonishing truth behind the Lib-Lab pact in the Scottish parliament and his involvement at the very highest level, both in the field and behind the scenes, in the Kosovo war. Candid, shrewd and exciting, the diaries present a vivid inside picture of Westminster, and the most intimate portrait yet of Blair and his government. This copy is fine in black cloth with gilt titles on the spine. No marks or damage at all. The unclipped DJ is also excellent. Signed by Ashdown on the title page. Seller Inventory # B98
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: PsychoBabel & Skoob Books, Didcot, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. First Edition. Hardcover, first edition with unclipped dust jacket. Signed by author on title page and dedicated "To Mark, Best Wishes - Remember to switch the phone off next-time! Paddy Ashdown." Jacket is edgeworn with a 3cm tear along front upper edge and crease along front lower edge. Board corners mildly bumped, faint marks to page block. Spine is tight and pages are clean throughout. AD. Signed by Author. Used. Seller Inventory # 520716
Quantity: 1 available