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A landmark history of the men and women who have defined the UK’s role in the modern world – and what makes them special – by a Westminster stalwart.

At a time of unprecedented political upheaval, this magisterial history explains who leads us and why. From Harold Wilson to present day, Steve Richards brilliantly brings to life the men and women who have defined the UK’s role in the modern world, vividly outlining their successes and failures – and what made each of them special.

Touching on many of the controversial events of recent times, from the miners’ strike to the Falklands War and Iraq to Brexit, The Prime Ministers is a gripping exploration of the essential qualities of leadership. Based on unprecedented access and in-depth interviews, as well as more than twenty years reporting from Westminster, Richards sheds new light on the titanic challenges of the highest office in the land.

About the Author

Steve Richards is a political columnist, journalist, and presenter. He regularly presents The Week in Westminster on BBC Radio 4 and has presented BBC radio series on Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Theresa May. He also presented the BBC TV programmes Leadership Reflections: The Modern Prime Ministers and Reflections: The Prime Ministers We Never Had. He has written for several national newspapers including the Guardian, the Independent and the Financial Times. He also presents a popular political one man show each year at the Edinburgh Festival and across the UK.

“A fascinating read… Steve’s writing is revealing and entertaining.”
– John Humphrys

“A fascinating and balanced review of the leadership strengths and weaknesses in the last nine British Prime Ministers from a journalist who has known them all.”
– Jon Snow

“There has been no better time to absorb oneself in some modern political history, and there is no better person to guide you through it than Steve Richards. The great thing about Steve’s book is that it helps us understand how our last nine prime ministers viewed things themselves and why they took the decisions they did… His book is entertaining, informative and timely.”
– Evan Davis

“Steve Richards offers a real treat to readers. Covering no fewer than nine Prime Ministers, he displays his talents to the full: an unsurpassed grasp of the context of leadership, empathetic yet properly critical assessment of records and a communication style that can reach out to anyone interested in politics and power.”
– John Bercow