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Kingmaker

Secrets, Lies, and the Truth about Five Prime Ministers

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Kingmaker

By: Sir Graham Brady
Narrated by: Sir Graham Brady
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About this listen

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
A TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR

THE BESTSELLING INSIDER STORY OF WESTMINSTER'S BLOODIEST POWER BATTLES

'Myths are debunked, prime ministers exposed and secrets revealed ... essential' The Times

'Refreshingly honest' The Telegraph

'Entertaining and approachable' The Spectator

David Cameron. Theresa May. Boris Johnson. Liz Truss. Rishi Sunak. Five prime ministers, one explosive memoir. Kingmaker lifts the lid on the leadership battles that have defined British politics

The last fourteen years have seen turbulence at the centre of politics that is perhaps unique in British history. From coalition to Brexit, Covid to Partygate, Trussonomics to this year's election, our government has never felt so fractured. And as Prime Ministers have come and gone, one man has been at the heart of every leadership challenge, seeing all, but saying nothing. Until now.

Sir Graham Brady was the Chairman of the 1922 Committee since 2010. As the leader of the group with the power to choose a new leader of the Conservative Party, it was his hand that held the executioner's axe over five consecutive Prime Ministers' heads.

Elected to Parliament in 1997 as the youngest Conservative MP in the house, Brady comes from a lower middle-class background and fell into politics age 16 when he joined a campaign to save his grammar school. This book is the story of how a boy from Salford came to be the definitive political insider.

With unique access to every key decision-maker of the past fourteen years, it offers insights into the character and choices of successive Prime Ministers and the administrations they led. Ultimately, it reveals where our most recent leadership failures originate, and asks hard questions about who will be fit to lead us tomorrow.©2024 Graham Brady (P)2024 Bonnier Books UK
Corruption & Misconduct Politics & Government Thought-Provoking
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What listeners say about Kingmaker

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A great, listen

informative, eye opening in places as well worth a listen
only talks about the PM's and its an interesting insight into their ego's !

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Some untrue and rubbish in here

Well done for coping with all the challenges but you haven’t done enough to support the party unity.
You could have played more roles and take more responsibility and influence colleagues.

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A Crowning Achievement

The high political drama of recent years, in particular, is fascinating in itself, but it is made even more so when related in Sir Graham Brady's calm, understated style. That he reads his book himself adds immeasurably to this effect.

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Fascinating insight

Really interesting view of what went on behind the scenes. I would have liked even more detail and opinions really but enjoyed it.

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Enlightening and fascinating

A very refreshing insider experience. For a first book, the author should consider further scribblings from his vast experience. A thoroughly enjoyable listen.

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A nice surprise

I expected a grey plodding attemot to justify the last 15 years in the life of Downing street. Fortunately it does exactly what it says on the tin.
Even handed account of the Conservative leaders, warts n all i might add.
Good job, i hope there are more in the pipeline.

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A unique perspective on British Politics 2010-2024

This book presents a fascinating insight into British politics between 2010-2024 from Sir Graham Brady who for the majority of that time was chairman of the 1922 Committee, that represented Tory backbenchers. Brady comes across as a man of integrity and decency and one ultimately reflects therefore that we could have done with more like him actually within the cabinet during this period. I should have liked a bit more reflection on Johnson who is dealt with quite rapidly after some length in May and Cameron. He also races through Truss (understandable) and Sunak. The final chapter is an interesting reflection on all five PMs from the period. I listened to his book having just listened to Rory Stewart’s Politics on the Edge and I must confess I found he former more absorbing. Nevertheless Brady’s story gives an interesting perspective (not often shared) and his book is well worth a listen.

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An Excellent Book

If you are interested in British politics this is an excellent book well read by Sir Graham Brady. It is very informative about what goes on within the confines of Parliament and a real eye opener. I do hope Sir Graham writes another book in the future because if it is up to this standard I will definitely be buying it.

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Grahams understatement of the serious

Unlike a lot of these political books I found the pace of Grahams book added to the listeners engagement .. Having interviewed Graham at the beginning of his political career I just had that gut feeling about him and how far he would go….he has stood way above his intake and guided honestly and sensibly some who believed their own often outrageous publicity … being the ‘king maker’ with his steady and discreet manner was the Conservatives, MPs and all the PMs good fortune .. good luck for the future whatever it holds Graham.

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Highly interesting read

An interesting, informative insider account from someone in a unique position. The sense of frustration at what would charitably be called a difficult time in British Politics well worth a listen

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