Anthony Seldon

Raymond (Author) Newell

The definitive account of Boris Johnson's turbulent time in office by one of Britain's leading political and social commentators.

The Inside Story

Johnson at 10

I think this book was just fascinating - I perceive Johnson as a very divisive figure, from being a very attractive politician as a Major of London to his downfall at 10 Downing St, I was puzzle about the backstage stories, his personality and his ambitions as a prime minister. He seemed to be a selfish man, whom was in love with the idea of becoming a historical figure and even though he was great at public speaking, he lacked character, decision making power and hard work. Even though the book is big, you can read it quite quick. Definitely an interesting read to understand what happened during these tumultuous years at 10 Downing St.

Cristian Garcia

E J Doble

This book is a remarkable achievement in political analysis and weaving a comprehensive narrative of Johnson's premiership, which was perhaps one of the most convoluted times in British history. Every section and topic covered had its own breathing room within the chapters, covering the same time period with different perspectives. Richly detailed and impeccably researched, the narrative was woven creatively and analytically without getting bogged down in unnecessary jargon. The problematic power struggles between Cummings, Sunak, Javid and his personal advisers were all laid bare with excellent clarity, and the eventual - inevitable - fall was told with a keen interest in mind.

Boris Johnson was a man fit to lead and perform, but never to govern and articulate. A chronic people-pleaser, with an awful taste in colleagues and an even worse taste in advice, his premiership was defined by circumstance so much more than his own decision. Here was a prime minister with a potential for greatness, surrounded by supremely able people, who waffled and squandered his way to an early grave at the hands of people he could never let down. As much as he longed to be a Thatcher or a Churchill, he was so much the Brown or Callaghan he had dreaded from the start.

"Johnson had the potential, the aspirations and the opportunity to be one of the great Prime Ministers. His unequivocal exclusion from that club can be laid at the feet of no one else, but himself..."

Johnson at 10 The Inside Story

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