Synopses & Reviews
Lord Michael Spicer has enjoyed a varied and remarkable political career by anyone's standards. Now, in this revealing, insightful, and engaging book, Lord Spicer shares never-before-heard stories of his time in British politics. During three and a half decades as a Conservative Member of Parliament, Spicer has held a plethora of essential political roles both within the party and in government, including Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party and chair of the highly influential 1922 committee. As an influential member of the Tory party, Lord Spicer worked closely with both Margaret Thatcher and David Cameron, among other leaders in British politics, including Tony Blair and John Major, and his diary takes readers behind the scenes to witness the close elections and tough decisions that have characterized Spicer's political life. Part political diary, part cautionary tale, and part commentary, The Spicer Diaries is a charming, witty, and insightful memoir.
Review
Praise for
The Spicer Diaries "Only an informed citizen can explain a strange country, and Michael Spicer treats us to an expert's view not just of the intrigues and rivalries and hilarities of the Thatcher years, but of that more than strange and endlessly fascinating country called Parliament." —Julian Fellowes "Perfectly turned, often witty, and revealing of three significant chapters in the recent history of the Conservative Party." —The Sunday Telegraph "A very useful addition to the . . . collection of parliamentary personal records . . . Gives a personal view of Thatcher." —Total Politics "These are the memoirs of a man who, in a glittering parliamentary career spanning nearly four decades, has waaves farewell to the curmudgeonly Heath, helped preserve the modesty of Margaret Thatcher, and cheered in the dawn of Cameron. Michael Spicer is the sort of politician who helps brings a fresh shine to the concept of public service. These diaries are filled with it, insight, and honesty." --Michael Dobbs
"We have known Michael Spcier as an independent voice, an effective parliamentarian, a loyal friend, and a formidable foe. Here he reveals himself too as a writer and diarist of consummate skill. Charm, truth, and humour shine through. This is a rare gem of a political diary." --Ann Widdecombe
About the Author
LORD MICHAEL SPICER is one of the most talented and influential Conservative politicians of his generation. He was an Member of Parliament from 1974 to 2010, where he served as minister of various committees, including aviation, electricity and coal, and housing. Knighted in 1996, in 2001 Spicer was elected chairman of the 1922 committee, a position he retained until 2010, when he was elevated to the House of Lords.