Two remarkable and important insider accounts of the negotiations that led to the birth of the coalition.
The Liberal Democrats’ and Conservatives’ decision to form a coalition government has changed the face of British politics. These two books set out the inside story of how this momentous event unfolded, and how – together – the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives have started to address the challenge of a massive government budget deficit.
22 Days in May is the first detailed Liberal Democrat insider account of the negotiations which led to the formation of the Lib Dem/Conservative coalition government in May 2010, along with an essential description of the early days of the government. David Laws MP was one of the key Lib Dems who negotiated the coalition deal, and the book includes his in-depth, behind the scenes, account of the talks with the Conservative and Labour teams after the general election, as well as the debates within his own party about how the Lib Dems should respond to the challenges and threats of a hung parliament.
5 Days To Power gives an account of the negotiations that led to the political earthquake of a Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government from the viewpoint of Conservative Party insiders. With unique access to participants in and around the drama, Rob Wilson MP looks at the key relationships, arguments and secret meetings, and reveals how and when the key decisions were made by the parties. This book provides compelling insight and substantial new information and material into a ruthless competition for power that developed over a five day period in May.
David Laws is the Lib Dem MP for Yeovil. He was briefly Chief Secretary to the Treasury in David Cameron’s coalition government. He is co-editor of the influential The Orange Book (2004) and Britain after Blair (2006). Rob Wilson is the Conservative MP for Reading East. He is a former Conservative Party whip and Shadow Minister for Higher Education and is currently PPS to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Jeremy Hunt MP.
22 Days in May and 5 Days to Power are published on the 15th November but available to pre-order from the Biteback website now, both priced £9.99.