Snakes and Ladders Navigating the ups and downs of politics
In the high-stakes world of politics, there are superb highs and terrible lows – and never more so than in the period since 2010. Few are better placed to give an insider’s view of the turmoil than the Rt Hon. Dame Andrea Leadsom MP.
From taking to the stage at Wembley as a key figure in the campaign to leave the European Union, through two leadership bids, Cabinet intrigue and squaring off against an increasingly erratic Speaker, Andrea’s very personal account tracks the ups and downs of a life in politics and particularly the challenges for female MPs.
In this updated edition, which sheds new light on the fraught leadership campaigns of 2022, Andrea argues that political careers don’t always – as is so often claimed – end in failure, and explains how, like a game of snakes and ladders, politics is often about getting yourself into the right place at the right time.
Reviews
“A warm and personal story of the highs and horrors of modern political life, with gasp-inducing details of friendship and betrayal. Read it and you’ll understand better the collective nervous breakdown of the political class during an extraordinary era.”
Laura Kuenssberg
“Andrea is clearly motivated by her passion for making a positive difference to the lives of others, and this comes through in spades in her fascinating book.”
Iain Duncan Smith
“Andrea has had a ringside seat at all the big political events of the past decade. This is a must-read for all politics lovers!”
Iain Dale
“Much coverage of the EU referendum and the battle for Brexit has focused on a few, often male, figures. Andrea has been central to British politics – from the Leave campaign to Cabinet to the dramas in the House of Commons – and I’m glad the whole story is discussed in this book, together with wisdom and encouragement for others, particularly women, wanting to serve in public life.”
Penny Mordaunt
“Leadsom sincerely comes across as the nicest person you’ve never met … Gives valuable insight into the stresses of politics, particularly on friendships.”
Tim Stanley, Daily Telegraph
“Jaw-dropping revelations … Andrea Leadsom’s honesty and willingness to own her mistakes make for a refreshing read.”
Ed Vaizey, The House
“Fascinating”
Rachel Cooke, The Observer
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- Paperback, 352 pages
- ISBN: 9781785907951
- 30 March 2023
- £12.99
- Hardback, 336 pages
- ISBN: 9781785907005
- 12 July 2022
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