Ten Years On The Untold Story of Brexit – Reflections on a Life of Campaigning
The 2016 Brexit referendum caused a political earthquake, with aftershocks that are still being felt a decade after the vote. For many, including many who voted to leave, the result came as a shock. But for one man it was not; it was what he had been working to achieve for twenty years.
You may not have heard of Matthew Elliott, but you should have. Born and brought up in Leeds, he is one of Britain’s most successful political campaigners – a reserved and thoughtful strategist who in his twenties launched a movement to force national and local government to confront wasteful public spending and cut taxes. In 2014, he staved off an attempt to change our voting system, before steering the Vote Leave campaign to victory two years later as its chief executive.
In an extraordinary memoir of his time in politics, Matthew reveals what it’s like working side-by-side with Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings, their dealings with Nigel Farage and the tricks of the trade that campaigners use to shape the news.
Here, ten years on from the EU referendum, is the definitive story of Brexit: the build-up from the 1990s, what really went on during the campaign, its bitter aftermath, how the early post-Brexit opportunities were squandered and the moves now to take Britain back into the EU by stealth.
Reviews
“This is a wonderful read from one of the most quietly influential people in politics in recent decades. Matthew’s authentic voice rings out from every page: his deep convictions, mildly expressed; his modest pride in his successes; his humble acknowledgement of mistakes. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable read and highly recommended.”
Chris Mason, political editor, BBC
“Matthew Elliott’s new book is the key missing piece in the Brexit story. While others were taking credit for the Leave victory, Elliott quietly got on with the business of making it happen. From one of the key figures in the Eurosceptic movement, Ten Years On is not just an important insider account of what happened, it is also a thoughtful treatise on what might be done to make the most of it.”
Tim Shipman, political editor, The Spectator
“Matthew Elliott gives a unique insider’s view into a historic turning point for Britain and explains eloquently why – ten years on – he is one of a dwindling number who still think Brexit is ‘a good thing’.”
George Parker, political editor, Financial Times
“A riveting and fluent blow-by-blow account of how the insurgents at Vote Leave crushed the Establishment to deliver the most seismic upset in modern polling history. If only Vote Leave had been put in charge of delivering Brexit, not just the referendum. Brexiteers everywhere owe Matthew Elliott.”
Andrew Pierce, columnist and consultant editor, Daily Mail
“What makes Elliott arguably the most successful political strategist of our time is the clarity of his thoughts and the razor-sharp focus with which he pursues his goal. With that same rare clarity, his book provides an invaluable insight into how a successful campaign is built from the ground up, against all odds, steering clear of distractions both from within and outside his own camp. The story of Britain leaving the EU has been told from almost every perspective, but this time we hear it from the man who delivered the winning campaign himself. This is essential reading not just for those who are interested in Brexit or post-Brexit Britain but for anyone who wants to understand how to inspire and influence large swathes of a population.”
Dia Chakravarty, Brexit editor, Daily Telegraph
“Providing matchless insight into the movement that transformed Britain, this is the inside story of Brexit as you’ve never read it before. Matthew was there for every key moment, and he has written a passionate, thoughtful and at times moving must-read account.”
Sebastian Payne, columnist and leader writer, The Times
“Matthew Elliott was at the very heart of the battle for Brexit, and this is a brilliantly engaging and passionate account of the trials, tribulations and big personalities behind the scenes of that campaign.”
Julia Hartley-Brewer, presenter, TalkRadio
“Matthew Elliott has delivered a fascinating memoir covering a turbulent period in British politics, including the time when he had a ringside seat running the winning Vote Leave campaign in the 2016 Brexit vote. His account is honest, funny and personal, and it will be relied on for years by historians.”
Christopher Hope, political editor, GB News
“Matthew Elliott is uniquely positioned to tell the story of Brexit – he was a private in Brussels, a major in the fight to expose EU waste and a general of the referendum. Now as a veteran in the House of Lords, he has a front-row seat on the big decisions facing the country. Ten Years On is a compelling account of how we got here and a clear-eyed perspective on what happens next.”
Michael Dobbs, author of House of Cards
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- Hardback, 352 pages
- ISBN: 9781837360758
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23 June 2026
Available to pre-order - £22.00
- eBook
- ISBN: 9781837360772
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23 June 2026
Available to pre-order - £16.99