As its chairman at the last general election, Sir Brian Mawhinney witnessed the greatest defeat of the Conservative Party this century. Many would say he had an impossible task but, as the man the press loved to hate, he found himself in the firing line.
He became John Major’s most trusted lieutenant, and held a unique and trusted place at the very heart of the crumbling Conservative government. Brian Mawhinney’s observations of the final weeks of power and his understandings of the reasons for their defeat at the polls are as original as they are authoritative.
In the Firing Line reveals a man schooled in the art of political controversy. Finding himself in the Northern Ireland office, he quickly learnt to look after himself in the heated and entrenched conflict. Later, as a senior government minister, he gained a reputation as a political bruiser.
However, another side to Brian Mawhinney is revealed in this unique book. Beliefs that were to drive much of his ambition and political philosophy. As a committed Christian he had to face up to the ‘interference’ of the established Church and the Evangelical leaders with whom he had much sympathy. Family policy and Christian education reform all became hot potatoes he had to handle.
In the Firing Line is the reflections of an outsider who became an insider and very nearly reached the top.
Condition: shelfwear - sunned pages
